CA2324176C - Automated will call system - Google Patents
Automated will call system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2324176C CA2324176C CA2324176A CA2324176A CA2324176C CA 2324176 C CA2324176 C CA 2324176C CA 2324176 A CA2324176 A CA 2324176A CA 2324176 A CA2324176 A CA 2324176A CA 2324176 C CA2324176 C CA 2324176C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- automated
- storage
- call system
- controller
- item
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 301
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 42
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 39
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 39
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 23
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 15
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 15
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 14
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010926 purge Methods 0.000 description 8
- 238000007726 management method Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000002483 medication Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000013515 script Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004397 blinking Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002207 retinal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 102000005606 Activins Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108010059616 Activins Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 102100033292 Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 7 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 101710148963 Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 7 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 235000010627 Phaseolus vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000046052 Phaseolus vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000488 activin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 244000309464 bull Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000599 controlled substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002651 drug therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003090 exacerbative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000977 initiatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000955 prescription drug Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 108090000623 proteins and genes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012795 verification Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0092—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/045—Storage devices mechanical in a circular arrangement, e.g. towers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/12—Storage devices mechanical with separate article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the articles being books, documents, forms or the like
- B65G1/127—Storage devices mechanical with separate article supports or holders movable in a closed circuit to facilitate insertion or removal of articles the articles being books, documents, forms or the like the circuit being confined in a vertical plane
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G1/00—Storing articles, individually or in orderly arrangement, in warehouses or magazines
- B65G1/02—Storage devices
- B65G1/04—Storage devices mechanical
- B65G1/137—Storage devices mechanical with arrangements or automatic control means for selecting which articles are to be removed
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
- G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
- G06Q20/203—Inventory monitoring
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
- G07F11/46—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports
- G07F11/50—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted
- G07F11/54—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about vertical axes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/0042—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for hiring of objects
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
- G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
- G16H20/00—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance
- G16H20/10—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients
- G16H20/13—ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
- Finance (AREA)
- Economics (AREA)
- General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Strategic Management (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Quality & Reliability (AREA)
- Operations Research (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Human Resources & Organizations (AREA)
- Tourism & Hospitality (AREA)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
- Development Economics (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Primary Health Care (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Warehouses Or Storage Devices (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
- Medical Treatment And Welfare Office Work (AREA)
Abstract
A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage units. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.
Description
zs.~sc,.~;wo;n:
osrs~-cxuu, t!s AUTOMATED WILL CALL SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to will call systems for the storage and retrieval of items. In particular the invention is directed to the improved management of the storage and retrieval of items through the use of an automated will call system.
Background of the Invention Will call systems and automated storage and retrieval systems are widely used to store, retrieve, and dispense articles. A benefit of such systems is in die speed and efficiency with which items can be stored, retrieved, and dispensed. However, automation has primarily been reserved for the vending machine and central warehouse environments.
Storage and retrieval systems including rotatable storage and retrieval receptacles are known. In such systems, a main platter or shelf is rotated to a window that makes all the storage positions on the shelf available to die window. U. S. latent Numbers 4,814,592 (Bradt et al. ), and 5,212,649 (Pelletier et al. ) all show storage systems with circular arrangements of receptacles in die context of systems designed to store specific articles, such as video tapes and magnetic tapes. The systems shown in those patents cannot, however, accommodate articles of different size. U.S. patents 4,864,438 (Munro) and 5,343,403 (Bcidle et al.) disclose storage and retrieval systems 253R(,4/~'(~f:
o~;sa~.ouoc, t ~s having a stationary storage unit with <1 movln g retrieval system, such as a moving arm. Such a retrieval system takes up a large amotllt of floor space, which is usually at a premium. Another disadvantage of the systems disclosed in those patents is the length of time necessary to retrieve an article.
U.S. Patent No. 5,337,920 (Clauses) shows such a device further including a computer system to control the drive assembly to automate the storage and retrieval process. Clauses also provides for the replacement of an item on a storage shelf. However, Clauses does not provide a way to ensure that an item is replaced in the correct location. There is no way to check or supervise the user to keep errors in storage and retrieval to a Illllllllllllll. The CIaUSell SySteIll Inlay reduce the time for retrieval of an item, but there is no way of checking if items are misplaced.
All of the above cited patents have several drawbacks. First, there is no efficient way to remove articles from die system that remain longer than necessary. In the systems disclosed in those patents, there is no way of determining the age of articles stored. If articles are perishable or otherwise have a value which diminishes the longer the articles remain in the system, there will be waste, loss of potential revenue, and other problems. Second, there is no mechanism to ensure that items are stored and retrieved correctly, i.e., there is no way to minimize operator error. Finally, no system has addressed the handling of controlled articles such as prescription drugs.
To reduce costs, the central fill method of dispensing prescriptions is a growing trend. Demographics indicate that between now and the year 2004, the volume of centrally filled prescriptions will grow from 2.4 billion prescriptions per year to 4.0 billion prescriptions per year, a 40%
iscrea;a... However, the number of pharmacists will increase by only slightly more than 6% over the same period.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / ~','GE
1155 i-()006 l lS 253864/1\'(ili Some s~~stems do exist for batch filling of prescriptions on a volume Oasis. U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,762 (Charhut et al.), U.S. I'at. No.
5,839,257 (Sodcrstrom ct al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,995 (Williams et al.) disclose automated systems for prescription filling at a central location, such as for mail order or for batch filling and later delivery to a local pharmacy.
frcscriptions are entered into the automated system, automatically filled, packed and labeled, and then delivered to a location for distribution and subsequent patient pickup. Those patents disclose high volume prescription filling systems, but the systems disclosed do not address the problems related to die pick-up of completed prescriptions, where prescriptions could be misplaced, never picked up, or, even worse, dispensed to the wrong patient.
Currently prescriptions enter the pharmacy by several common methods. 1 ) Hard copy prescriptions are physically brought to dle pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative. The patient eiti~er waits for the prescription (or, "script") to be filled, or drops ofd the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription. 2) A doctor or the doctor's representative phones in a new prescription to the local pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled. 3 ) A
patient or the patient's representative brings in a previously filled prescription that is renewable or otherwise requests that a renewable prescription be refilled.
This request may be made in person or over the phone. For those prescriptions physically brought into the pharmacy, the patient either waits for the prescription to be refilled, or drops off the prescription and returns at a later time to retrieve the refilled prescription.
Almost every retail chain, independent drug store, and outpaticnt/clinic pharmacy setting currently has some form of manual will call system. The basic functions of a manual will call system are to retrieve a 25 iR64.1 / OSRS7.0006 US / WGE
08857-000(, 11.5 2538(,-1'\1'C~Ir previously filled prescription and hand it to the patient when the patient comes to the pharmacy. There are varioLi~s physical forms and methods for manual will call. The most common procedure has prescriptions being individually filled and placed into bags, the bags then being filed, alphabetically by last name, in a series of bins or trays located near the point of sale terminals in the pharmacy. This procedure is highly inefFcient and prone to error. Disruptions are COInI11011 t0 thlS process and can create a high level of chaos resulting in one or more of the following problems.
Prescriptions can be placed in the wrong bin or tray for pickup.
Time is lost looking for a prescription that has been misfiled. When prescriptions are misfiled, the productivity of pharmacy personnel is reduced, the patient faces increased waiting time, and, in extreme cases, the prescription has to be filled a second time (double fill). In high customer demand periods, this can be extremely disruptive and expensive.
The risk of giving a patient the wrong medication is increased in manual will call systems. It is not uncommon for a clerk, particularly during a busy period, to pick up the wrong bag and hand it to the patient without noticing dle error. It is not unusual for a patient t:o also overlook the mistake.
The risk of a patient receiving and taking the wrong medication is quite serious and, unfortunately, very real.
Many patients require multiple medications. They may be filled at different times, and placed separately in the bins for pick up. With manual will call systems, there is an increased likelihood that the pharmacy will fail to give the patient all of his prescriptions, since the prescriptions may not always be grouped together in the bins for pick-up. If the patient is not able to pick up all of his prescriptions at once, an additional trip by the patient to the pharmacy is necessary or, even worse, the patient does not realize that there are 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
osss~-ooo<, ~!s z5.~sc,an~~c;r.
osrs~-cxuu, t!s AUTOMATED WILL CALL SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to will call systems for the storage and retrieval of items. In particular the invention is directed to the improved management of the storage and retrieval of items through the use of an automated will call system.
Background of the Invention Will call systems and automated storage and retrieval systems are widely used to store, retrieve, and dispense articles. A benefit of such systems is in die speed and efficiency with which items can be stored, retrieved, and dispensed. However, automation has primarily been reserved for the vending machine and central warehouse environments.
Storage and retrieval systems including rotatable storage and retrieval receptacles are known. In such systems, a main platter or shelf is rotated to a window that makes all the storage positions on the shelf available to die window. U. S. latent Numbers 4,814,592 (Bradt et al. ), and 5,212,649 (Pelletier et al. ) all show storage systems with circular arrangements of receptacles in die context of systems designed to store specific articles, such as video tapes and magnetic tapes. The systems shown in those patents cannot, however, accommodate articles of different size. U.S. patents 4,864,438 (Munro) and 5,343,403 (Bcidle et al.) disclose storage and retrieval systems 253R(,4/~'(~f:
o~;sa~.ouoc, t ~s having a stationary storage unit with <1 movln g retrieval system, such as a moving arm. Such a retrieval system takes up a large amotllt of floor space, which is usually at a premium. Another disadvantage of the systems disclosed in those patents is the length of time necessary to retrieve an article.
U.S. Patent No. 5,337,920 (Clauses) shows such a device further including a computer system to control the drive assembly to automate the storage and retrieval process. Clauses also provides for the replacement of an item on a storage shelf. However, Clauses does not provide a way to ensure that an item is replaced in the correct location. There is no way to check or supervise the user to keep errors in storage and retrieval to a Illllllllllllll. The CIaUSell SySteIll Inlay reduce the time for retrieval of an item, but there is no way of checking if items are misplaced.
All of the above cited patents have several drawbacks. First, there is no efficient way to remove articles from die system that remain longer than necessary. In the systems disclosed in those patents, there is no way of determining the age of articles stored. If articles are perishable or otherwise have a value which diminishes the longer the articles remain in the system, there will be waste, loss of potential revenue, and other problems. Second, there is no mechanism to ensure that items are stored and retrieved correctly, i.e., there is no way to minimize operator error. Finally, no system has addressed the handling of controlled articles such as prescription drugs.
To reduce costs, the central fill method of dispensing prescriptions is a growing trend. Demographics indicate that between now and the year 2004, the volume of centrally filled prescriptions will grow from 2.4 billion prescriptions per year to 4.0 billion prescriptions per year, a 40%
iscrea;a... However, the number of pharmacists will increase by only slightly more than 6% over the same period.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / ~','GE
1155 i-()006 l lS 253864/1\'(ili Some s~~stems do exist for batch filling of prescriptions on a volume Oasis. U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,762 (Charhut et al.), U.S. I'at. No.
5,839,257 (Sodcrstrom ct al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,995 (Williams et al.) disclose automated systems for prescription filling at a central location, such as for mail order or for batch filling and later delivery to a local pharmacy.
frcscriptions are entered into the automated system, automatically filled, packed and labeled, and then delivered to a location for distribution and subsequent patient pickup. Those patents disclose high volume prescription filling systems, but the systems disclosed do not address the problems related to die pick-up of completed prescriptions, where prescriptions could be misplaced, never picked up, or, even worse, dispensed to the wrong patient.
Currently prescriptions enter the pharmacy by several common methods. 1 ) Hard copy prescriptions are physically brought to dle pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative. The patient eiti~er waits for the prescription (or, "script") to be filled, or drops ofd the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription. 2) A doctor or the doctor's representative phones in a new prescription to the local pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled. 3 ) A
patient or the patient's representative brings in a previously filled prescription that is renewable or otherwise requests that a renewable prescription be refilled.
This request may be made in person or over the phone. For those prescriptions physically brought into the pharmacy, the patient either waits for the prescription to be refilled, or drops off the prescription and returns at a later time to retrieve the refilled prescription.
Almost every retail chain, independent drug store, and outpaticnt/clinic pharmacy setting currently has some form of manual will call system. The basic functions of a manual will call system are to retrieve a 25 iR64.1 / OSRS7.0006 US / WGE
08857-000(, 11.5 2538(,-1'\1'C~Ir previously filled prescription and hand it to the patient when the patient comes to the pharmacy. There are varioLi~s physical forms and methods for manual will call. The most common procedure has prescriptions being individually filled and placed into bags, the bags then being filed, alphabetically by last name, in a series of bins or trays located near the point of sale terminals in the pharmacy. This procedure is highly inefFcient and prone to error. Disruptions are COInI11011 t0 thlS process and can create a high level of chaos resulting in one or more of the following problems.
Prescriptions can be placed in the wrong bin or tray for pickup.
Time is lost looking for a prescription that has been misfiled. When prescriptions are misfiled, the productivity of pharmacy personnel is reduced, the patient faces increased waiting time, and, in extreme cases, the prescription has to be filled a second time (double fill). In high customer demand periods, this can be extremely disruptive and expensive.
The risk of giving a patient the wrong medication is increased in manual will call systems. It is not uncommon for a clerk, particularly during a busy period, to pick up the wrong bag and hand it to the patient without noticing dle error. It is not unusual for a patient t:o also overlook the mistake.
The risk of a patient receiving and taking the wrong medication is quite serious and, unfortunately, very real.
Many patients require multiple medications. They may be filled at different times, and placed separately in the bins for pick up. With manual will call systems, there is an increased likelihood that the pharmacy will fail to give the patient all of his prescriptions, since the prescriptions may not always be grouped together in the bins for pick-up. If the patient is not able to pick up all of his prescriptions at once, an additional trip by the patient to the pharmacy is necessary or, even worse, the patient does not realize that there are 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
osss~-ooo<, ~!s z5.~sc,an~~c;r.
multiple prescriptions and will not be in compliance with the drug therapy established by the physician.
In addition, most current pharmacy management systems (1'MS) do not provide electronic ordering or family grouping of prescriptions.
Different members of a household may individually require difFerent medications. With most existing systems, there is no way of <~ssuring that all of the prescriptions for a given household are placed together for pick-up.
This can lead to multiple trips to the pharmacy by members of the same household, when all prescriptions could have been collected at one time if they had been grouped together.
From the ph<~rmacy's point of view, unclaimed prescriptions present a problem. An increasing ntunber of prescriptions presented to the pharmacy for dispensing are never picked up by the patient. In most retail pharmacy settings, the pharmacy stafFmay not necessarily klow that a patient has not picked up a prescription and/or does not have the time to call the patient to provide as many reminders as necessary to have the prescription picked up. This lack of a means to remind the patient that a prescription is ready for pickup increases the likelihood that it will never be picked up at all and, therefore, never sold. If unclaimed prescriptions accumulate, they can clog pick up locations and slow down retrieval and increase patient waiting time. They can also represent a loss of revenue to the pharmacy, since medications already dispensed cannot be reused and, if not picked up, constitute waste. Moreover, some medications are perishable, and must be used quickly. If such medications remain unclaimed for too long, they must be discarded and, in some cases, re-dispensed when a patient finally appears to claim them. This leads to increased cost to the pharmacy and, ultimately, to the patient. To clear out Lmclaimed prescriptions, manual removal or purging 253RG4. i ~ oass~.ooo~ us ~ wcr 25;sc,a;wcr.
nsss~.oo~u, i!s «f mclaimed prescriptions is required, which is very time consmning and tedious. Most pharmacies do not Dave the staff or the time to conveniently perform a purge function, thus exacerbating the tendency of the manual will call system to become clogged.
Floor space within a retail chain or independent pharmacy, as well as outpatient and clinic pharmacies, is at a premium. Many of the current will call systems fail to provide a high storage density.
Also, the confidentialit~~ of patients is given a very high priority.
Accordingly, the current manually operated bins must be placed far enough aw<zy from the sales counter so that the prescription information on the labels cannot be read by other customers. This, of course, runs counter to the need to use less floor space within the pharmacy area, and reduces the efficiency of the will call process. Related confidentiality issues may require that one family member not learn of prescriptions dispensed to other family member. Thus, in some cases there may be a good reason not t:o group together multiple prescriptions from the same household. Manual will call systems are vulnerable to inadvertently grouping together prescriptions which should remain separate.
The present invention remedies the above disadvantages through automated electronic monitoring of the storage and retrieval of the filled prescriptions.
Summar~of the Invention The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the management of dle storage and removal of items, especially, although not necessarily, filled prescriptions. The present invention provides an efficient and accurate will call fiuxtion by optimizing the storage of items and by electronically tracking the insertion and removal of items.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
OSS57-0006 US 253h63; \1'(.1-.
The automated will call system of the invention tracks the items stored within the system with "absolute confirmation," ensuring that items are inserted and retrieved correctly. The location of stored items is maintained in a memory tllltll the lteIllS ai'c CeIIlOVed. Accordingly, there is a reduction in the potential for errors. There is also a reduction in the dispensing of 117COI11plCte orders from the will call SySteIll by grouping the items according to user-created criteria.
The invention provides high density storage for items by using storage cabinets configured to occupy a minimum of floor space, while providing large storage volume.
The invention also provides for reminders to be automatically sent to patients to pick up items that remain in the will call system for a user-specified time period, permitting the user to use staff time more productively.
In addition, an automatic purge process facilitates the removal of items that have remained within the will call system for a user-specified tulle.
System diagnostic functions provide a way of evaluating the effciency of the system and user personnel, which helps to lower will call operating costs.
In one embodiment, the present invention is an automated will call system for the management of the storage and retrieval of items, comprising at least one of each of an input source, a storage unit, a user work station, and an article sensor, all in communication wide a controller. The controller receives identification data associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores the identification data in memory. The controller assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit. Upon sensing insertion of the item into the Unique storage location, by the article sensor, the controller maintains the unique storage IoCatloll 1I1 In eIIlOCy.
Whell 253864.1 / 08857.0()06 US / WGE
~iass~-mnu, us ~>.«c,a;vcc,l-.
_g_ the renewal of all item from a storage location is .sensed by the article sensor, the controller deletes the unique location from memory.
Brief Descr~tion of the Drawin>rs For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that thls 111vC11t1011 1S IIOt limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view, in simplified form, of an eIllbOdllllellt Of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagralll of the invention of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates one form of a storage writ of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another form of a storage unit of the present 111Velltloll.
Figure 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage tulit shown in Figure 4.
Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage unit shown in Figure 4, showing "absolute confirmation" sensing of articles in the storage location.
Figure 6 illustrates a third form of storage unit of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which plural storage tlllits as in shown in Figure 6 are grouped together.
Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the "absolute confirmation" sensing of articles in a storage location.
Figure 9 illustrates a safety sensor for the storage unit shown in Figure 6.
Figure 10 illustrates a tote for holding articles, which can be used with 25384.1 / 08857.0000 US / WC~E
II\85;-110(1(, l%S 25~864/l1'C~V.
the storage unit shown in Figure 6.
Detailed Description of the Invention The description contained herein relates to the specific sa-uctures of an automated will call SySteIll as presently contemplated. This description, however, is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention. For example, while the invention will be described in the context of storing, retrieving, and dispensing prescriptions, the invention is applicable to storing, retrieving, and dispensing other items as well.
In the drawings, where like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown an automated will call system in accordance with the present invention.
The drawings are schematic in that non-essential sn-uctures and elements have been omitted.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an automated will call system 10 according to the invention includes a controller 12, at least one storage trait 14, at least one user work station 16, and an optional refrigerator 18 and an optional secure storage unit 20. The individual elements of the system are in commtmication with one another via commttllication links represented by the solid lines in Figures 1 and 2. The lines may be considered to represent hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as may be desired.
The controller 12 provides all of the command and control functions for the will call system 10, and manages and tracks the movement of items within the system, i.e., their placement into and removal from the system. The controller 12 may be a stand alone device, such as a PC, or may be embedded within die system, such as at a user work station 16 or even within a storage unit 14. The controller 12 includes a memory to store all received information from outside the system (as will be described in more detail below), as c~~ell as 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
URRS7-(I()0(, I1S 2S3R64/li'(~F.
the locations of all stored items and length of time each item leas been in the SySteln.
The storage trait 14 provides a plurality of storage locations for items.
At Least one opening on the storage wait provides access to the storage locations. The storage locations may be oriented in rows or in columns, and may be moveable to positions providing a user access to the storage locations (as will be described in more detail below).
The user work station 16 provides a site for user and customer interaction with dIC controller 12, such as the input of item identifying data I 0 to identify a particular prescription or prescriptions. User work station 16 may include a card reader 17 associated with it, which can read identifying data from a c<~rd swiped through the card reader by a pharmacy clerk or by the customer. The user work station may comprise interactive inputs/outputs such as a monitor and keyboard, scanner, bar code reader, touch screen, voice recognition system, printer, and the like. As seen in Figure l, a plurality of user work stations 16 may be provided within the automated will call system, permitting multiple insertions and removals simultaneously at a plurality of storage traits 14. They need not be side-by-side as illustrated, but may be remote from one another.
An optional refrigerator 18 for the storage of items requiring refrigeration and an optional secure storage unit 20 for secure storage of valuable or controlled items, such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, are in communication with the controller. Associated with the refrigerator and secure unit are a series of lights 22 coded to correspond to the user work stations 16. The refrigerator and secure storage each have at least one user interface button 82, which permits pharmacy personnel to send a signal to the controller which represents the completion of an insertion or 253864.1 / O8R57 OOOG US / WGE
0asaono, tvs 253Sc,4/W c;li removal operation at the designated refrigerator or secure storage umt.
A work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller, comprises a network of indicators for guiding the user. The work row coordinator tnay comprise either audible or visible indications, or both for the user. For example, the indications may be in the form of a voice recording directing the user. As seen in Figure l, the work flow coordinator preferably comprises incandescent lights 22, 78 disposed on the storage units to guide the user.
The controller 12 receives identification information associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores that information in memory.
The memory may reside within the controller, within a storage mit 14, another PC, the host system 76, or any other system. The identification information may be received in any convenient manner, such as from a pharmacy management system or dlrough direct entry by the user. The direct entry includes any form of input/output fond at the user work station 16 or storage unit 14.
Identifying indicia on the exterior of an item is entered into the system.
The identifying indicia may be entered in any convenient manner, such as sensing the indicia on the item through use of a scanner at a user work station 16 or at a storage unit 14, or through direct entry by the user. Upon sensing identifying indicia on an item intended for storage within the system, the controller correlates the identification information with the identifying indicia and assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit.
Upon user insertion of an item into the unique storage location assigned by the controller, a sensor senses the item insertion and signals the controller. The controller maintains the unique storage location and time of insertion in memory. When it is desired to remove an item from the system, 25;iftO4 1 / OR857.0006 US / WGE
2~.t8ca;w< ~ n.
nsr;s;-~u~m, us the controller retrieves the unique storage location from memoy~. Upon sensing the removal of the item from its storage location, the controller deletes the tu~ique location from memory.
All of the embodiments of the invention have at least one storage runt S COI11pr1Sln g at least one stowage location. One embodiment of storage unit employs open shelves, while two other embodiments, one using a conveyor and the other a carousel, have an enclosed cabinet comprising a door or front panel. The conveyor and carousel embodiments have access openings which permit access to a selected number of storage locations. In the case of the conveyor embodiment, the opening permits access to a single row of stowage locations, with more than one storage location accessible. In die case of the carousel, the opening permits access to multiple rows of storage locations, but only one storage location per row, i.e., a column.
User interface buttons may be provided on all the storage unit embodiments to enable a pharmacy clerk to confirm the completion of insertion and removal procedures (as will be described in more detail below).
This is illustrated schematically in Figure 2. Alternatively, the user interface buttons may be "virtual" buttons, located on a computer screen or a touch screen.
One embodiment of storage unit which can be used with the invention shown as in Figure 3, and is referred to as a "pick-to-light" system. The storage trait is in the form of an open cabinet 15 including a plurality of shelves 19. Each shelf comprises a row of storage locations 13 defined by walls 21.
The walls may be either fixed or movable; preferably, but not necessarily, the shelves are fixed in position. A scanner 50 may be attached to tle cabinet 15, providing means for pharmacy personnel to input item identifying data into the system.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1, tNU3lv Wt (1857-000(, L1S
_13_ An article sensor (as will be described in more detail below) may also be attached proximate each storage location, confirming storage or retrieval of an item. The article sensor comprises a light source, a reflector and a photo-detector, arranged so that a light beam emitted from the light source passes through the storage location and reflects offof the reflector back to the photo-detector, adjacent the light source. The reflector may be a reflector strip, reflecting tape, a reflecting coating on a surface, or the like.
A work flow coordinator is provided on the cabinet 15, and may include a row of lights 78 atop the cabinet and an indicator 80 proximate each storage location 13. The indicator 80 provides guidance to the user as to which storage location to use for an insertion or retrieval procedure.
Another embOdlment Of the Iilvel7tloll Shown 111 Figure 4 has a storage trait comprising a cabinet 26 housing a conveyor 28. The conveyor 28 may be disposed in various collfgurations, but is preferably oriented vertically. The conveyor is rotated by item transport means 31, which may be a drive motor, chain, pulley system, pneumatic device, or the like. The conveyor rotates a plurality of storage locations 36 to a position permitting user access via window 30. The window 30 is sized so as to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at the same time, preferably one row of storage locations 36 at a time.
The conveyor 28 may comprise a plurality of rows 32, each being divided by walls 34 (which may be fixed or movable) which include a plurality of moveable slot members 34. The slot members 34 define the storage locations or slots 36.
As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, an opening 38 is provided on the rear wall 40 of each slot 36. An article sensor 23, comprising a light source 24, is disposed in the interior of the conveyor such drat light from the light source 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
nssa~-cu>cu, us za3ac,a%wc;t~.
24 passes through the rear wall opening 38 in each slot 36. A reflector 25 is attached to the rear face of the cabinet front panel 42 at the bottom of window 30, genes ally opposite the light source. A light bean 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location and reflects off the reflector 25, S back to a photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24.
At least one user interface bllttoll IS provided to generate a signal to represent various functions of die automated will-call system including:
procedure complete, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator storage, and secure storage. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of user interface buttons 46 are shown as being located on the counter 48 of cabinet 26. The user interface buttons may be actual electromechanical devices, or they may be "virtual" buttons, such as on a touch screen, or may be located remote from the storage unit, such as at the user work station 16. More or fewer user interface buttons may be used, as desired.
In addition, a scanner 50 attached to the cabinet 26 provides meals for pharmacy personnel to easily input item identifying data into the system.
Scanner 50 may scan bar coded data on or associated with an item.
As seen in Figures 6, 7, 8A and 8B, and 9, another embodiment of the present invention has a storage unit in the form of an enclosed cabinet 52, having a front panel or door 53, and having at least one carousel 54 contained in the cabinet 52. The door 53 includes at least one opening 55 therethrough, which provides access to storage locations on the carousel. The openings are sized to permit access to a preselected number of slots at the same time, preferably only one slot per carousel at a time. The carousel 54 may vary in size and shape, but preferably the carousel is cylindrical and oriented to rotate about a vertical axis, as in a lazy-Susan design. A drive means 60, preferably disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54, rotates the carousel about its 253804.1 / 08857.OOOG US / WGE
ns~;;.~oo~, us vertical axis. The drive means may be a drive motor, such as a stepper motor, or the like. The carousel may include a plurality of vertically stacked tr<~~~s 56.
Each tray has a plurality of storage locations, preferably in the shape of pie-sh<lped slots 58 CIrCUIIlfeCeIltlall}' spaced and surrounding a central shaft 61.
The slots 58 arc defined by walls 64, which may be fixed or movable. Each vertically stacked tray 56 may be permitted to rotate independently of the others. The vertical stacking of the trays permits a small footprint while maintaining a high density storage cabinet. For example, a 30" wide by 30"
deep cabinet of nominal height would house 144 pie-shaped slots of sufFlcient size to house normal size prescriptions.
As seen in Figures 6, 8A and 8B, each pie-shaped slot 58 includes a reflector 25 at the bottom rear of the slot. A light source 24 is located just above each opening 55, preferably although not necessarily on the inside of the door 53. An article sensor 23, including die light source 24, a reflector 25 and a photo-detector 27, preferably located next to light source 24, transmits signals from the article sensor to the controller, representative of either insertion or removal of an item into or from a storage location. The light source 24, reflector 25, and photo-detector 27 are all arranged and oriented so that a light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location, reflects off die reflector 25, and returns to the photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24.
A bulk storage area 70 provides a place for the storage of items that do not fit into the slots 58. A light 72 on the bulk storage area prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert or remove items from the bulk storage area, when necessary.
A scalmer 74 attached to the cabinet 52, preferably on the door 53, provides means for pharmacy personnel to scan identifying data on an article 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
os~;s;-no~u, u.s zs;hc,a;~~mE-.
into the system. As with the previously described embodiment, scanner 74 may be a bar code scanner.
At least one user interface button 68 is located on the cabinet 52, preferably on the door 53. User interface buttons 68 may be provided to represent «ne or more filnctions of the system including: procedure done, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator, and secure storage, as will be described in more detail below.
The user interface buttons provide a way for a pharmacy clerk to IIldlCate the COInplet1011 Of an insertion or retrieval of an item from a storage I 0 location. The user interface buttons represent various functions of the will call system, including: procedure complete (DONE), next available storage loc<;tion (NEXT), bulk storage (BULK), refrigerator storage (REFRIGERATOR), and secure storage (SECURE). The user interface buttons can be used during both storage and retrieval operations. Additional user interface butto115 llla)~ be provided t0 represent aS Illal7y fun Ctlons aS
deemed necessary.
The DONE button provides an indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by die pharmacy clerk.
Pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure has been performed.
Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or secure storage 20. If only one user interface button is provided on a storage unit, it is preferably the DONE button.
The NEX'h button provides indication to the controller 12 that the controller designated storage location currently already contains too many items to accommodate an item intended for that location. The user presses the 253864.1 / O8R57.0006 US / N'(~F
zs.~sc,-~ nvc:n us~s~-oocu, us NEXT button to instruct the controller 12 to designate a new storage location for the plaCe111cl1t Of the intended item.
Depression of the BULK button provides indication to the controller 12 that an item is too large to fit into the designated storage location <~nd that the controller should designate a bulk storage area 70 for storage of the item.
Upon insertion of the item into the designated bulk area, the user will press the DONE button, as stated <;hove.
The REFRIGERATOR and SECURE button are used in the same manner as the BULK button. The user presses the lIltellded button, I 0 instructing the controller 12 to change the designated storage location to either a refrigerator 18 or secure storage trait 20. Upon insertion of the item into the designated storage location, the user will press the DONE button, as stated above.
The work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller 12, comprises a network of indicators to provide guidance to the user. The work flow coordinator may include audible or visible indications, or both, for the pharmacy personnel to follow. Preferably, the work flow coordinator comprises a network of lights including at least one light 78 attached to each storage unit and at least one light 80 proximate each storage unit opening.
The lights are located to be easily visible to pharmacy personnel. To effectively provide guidance to the user, the lights 78 preferably comprise a row of lights attached proximate the top of the storage unit. The number of lights in the row 78 is preferably equal to the number of User work stations in the system, in addition to at least one error light. The lights may be illuminated steadily or may blink in a predetermined pattern, and the lights may be any shape or color, and may be color coded to correspond to designated user work stations 16.
z538(r1.1 / 08857.OOOG US / ~'GE
nas;~-cuuu, c!s zs3hc,.~!v~~;E-.
rI'he controller 12 will activate the work flow coordin<;tor, illuminating the row of lights 78 on the storage tllit and the light 80 proximate the designated storage location to guide the user for both insertion and retrieval procedure from a designated storage location. Upon sensing completion of the S procedure, the controller 12 will deactivate the work flow coordinator.
Operation of the Automated Will Call System The operation of the automated will call system is described as being used for management of prescriptions in a pharmacy setting. The users arc pharmacy personnel who include pharmacists, technicians, and clerks.
However, it should be kept Ill Illllld that th a IllVelltlon 1S llOt limited to a particular use and is applicable to the storage and retrieval of items in addition to prescrlpaons.
The prescription dispensing process begins with hard cope prescription requests brought to d1e pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative.
The patient drops of~the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription. Alternatively, a doctor or the doctor's representative phones a prescription request into the pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled.
As shown in Figure 2, the system receives patient and prescription identification information 84 to be stored within the automated will call system. The identification information is received at the controller 12. The identification information 84 may be sent via common communlcatlon methods from a host system 76, i.e., a pharmacy management system, or entered by pharmacy personnel using interactive input/output units at the user work station 16 or the storage unit 14. The identification information received includes: an order ntunber, patient name, address, phone number, time/date, 2.53864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WC: E:
zs ~s~,a;»~c~t:
(1SRS7-(10(Ib U.S
_ I c~ _ prescription number, patient identification ntllnbel-, refrigeration required, controlled drug, national drug code (NDC) IlL1I17ber, 11011-gCOl1p111g flag, or the like. The identification information is stored in memory.
The prescriptions arc filled by the pharmacist and placed into bags; the bags arc then placed into bins or trays. Alternatively, the prescriptions are filled off site and shipped to the pharmacy in bins or trays. The filled or partially filled prescriptions, now ready for storage within the automated will call system, arc received b ~~ pharmacy personnel. Periodically, pharmacy personnel take the bins or trays to the automated will call system to insert the prescriptions for later retrieval for or by customers.
The pharmacy personnel enter the identifying data 98 on the prescription into the automated will call system. The identifying data may be entered at the user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or if the prescriptions are bar-coded, as is preferred, through use of a I S scanner, preferably through a scanner located at the storage unit 14. The identifying data is correlated, by the controller 12, wide other pertinent information such as identification information 84 received from the host system.
In response to receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12 scans for a match with the identification information currently stored in a memory, either its local memory or a remote memory such as at a host computer 76.
The controller searches for a match of information such as the patient name, address, phone number, and patient identification number. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescription as the matched prescriptions currently stored in the system. If no match is found, the controller assigns a mique storage location for tde prescription to be placed in the system. The controller 12 preferably designates the closest 253R6~ 1 / O8R57.0006 US / WGE
25.~f;<,4'V'(~h 11ss57-OOOC, lJS
available storage location for the prescription rather than a predetermined position, thus reducing prescription placement processing time. ~hhe designation of the closest available storage location also reduces the required rotation of the item transport means in the conveyor 26 and carousel 52 enlbOd1I11e11tS.
Prescription grouping may be performed by the system, wherein grouping parameters arc designated by the system user, based on any identification information stored lIl memory. Preferably, prescriptions are grouped by family, using the patient last name and address. Grouping enables the patient to pick up all prescriptions for the patient and odler famil~~
members at one time.
With grouping, upon receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12 scans the memory for a match of patient last name and address with the identification information of patient prescriptions currently stored in the system. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescriptions as the matched family prescriptions currently stored in the system.
However, for privacy reasons, a flag may optionally be activated in the automated will call system, preventing automatic grouping for specific patients or scripts. The non-grouping flag may be an audible or visual indication to the pharmacy personnel to not group a specific prescription with others. The indication may emanate from the user work station as an audible signal or a visual signal on a user work station monitor, or a visual indication placed directly on the prescription. Preferably, the non-grouping flag is included in the 1de11t1flCati0I1 lllfOrlllatloll 84 received by the controller 12 and stored in memory. During the matching of identifying data with identification information procedure, if a non-grouping flag is found with the matched 253864. I / 08857.0006 US / 1S'G1?
Zs.i864i\1'(.E
08857-000(, l1S
patient name and address, the controller 12 will automatically assign a unique storage location for the prescription, and grouping will not take place.
Upon controller designation of a storage location, the controller aCtivateS the SySteIIl Work flow COOrdlllat()I'. Upon activation of the wor k flo«~
coordinator, the lights 78 on the designated storage unit illtuninate, designating that a storage oper<;tion is in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. A light 80 proximate an opening of the storage mit permitting access to the designated storage location illuminates, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription into the designated storage location. The pharmacy personnel then inserts the prescription into the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80.
In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination of light 80, the controller signals the designated storage alit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position that permits user access to I 5 the location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receipt of a signal, the drive means 31 rotates die rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor mtil the row containing the designated location is proximate the window opening 30.
In the carousel embodiment, upon receipt of a signal the drive means 60, disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54, rotates dle carousel of vertically stacked trays to provide access to the designated slot through one of the openings 55.
Once the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription and, if applicable, the drive means has stopped rotating dle storage locations, the pharmacy clerk inserts die prescription into the designated storage location.
An article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and in cocnmtu~ication with the controller 12, detects the insertion of the prescription 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
CA 02324176 2000-10-23 «..
into the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B, when a prescription is placed within a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is blocked, thus preventing the reflection of the light beam off of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to the light beam being blocked, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being placed in a storage location. Upon receipt of the signal at the controller that an article has been inserted, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80, and stores the location of the inserted prescription in the InelllOry. The automated will call system is now ready for another operation.
If pharmacy personnel find a prescription already in the designated storage location, such as when adding a prescription to a group, the pharmacy personnel remove the current prescription from the storage location. The article sensor 23 detects removal of the prescription from the stol°age location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the "new" prescription and the "prior" prescription back into the same designated storage location at the same time. The article sensor 23 detects the insertion of the "new" and "prior" prescriptions. The article sensor sends a signal to the controller representative of the prescriptions being placed into the storage location. Upon receirt of the signal, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and stores the location of the inserted prescriptions in the memory.
If the designated storage location is already full with prescriptions, and the prescription to be inserted will not fit, the pharmacy clerk presses the NEXT user interface button on the storage unit. In response, a signal is sent to the controller 12 111StCllCtlIlg the controller that the designated storage 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1?,5~(,-~y\W h.
(1\\S~-11(1(1(, l~S
lOCatloll Cllrrclltly haS t00 lllall~~ prescriptions to accommodate the intended item. TI1C COIItCOller SC<lIlS the IIICIllo1-y and designates the closest available storage location for the placement of the prescription. The controller activates the work flow coordinator and item transport means of tile designated storage unit, guiding the pharmacy personnel to tile new designated storage location.
1 he phaCIIlaCy clerk then inserts die prescription into the new designated storage location. Again, upon receipt of a signal from the article sensor 23 indicating insertion, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator and stores the new designated storage location in the memory.
If the prescription does not fit into a storage location because it is too large, the pharmacy clerk presses the BULK user interface button. In response, a signal is sent to the controller informing the controller drat die prescr iption is too large to fit into the designated storage location and instructing the controller to select a bull: area storage location for the prescription. The controller designates a bulk area location and illtuninates a light 72 adjacent the designated bulk area 70, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the prescription into the designated bulk storage area. Upon completion of the bulk insertion, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button on the storage Lu~it containing the bulk area, confirming completion of the bulk area placement.
A signal is sent to the controller in response to pressing the DONE button, instructing the controller to store the designated bulk storage location of the prescription in memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72.
If the prescription to be stored requires refrigeration, the pharmacy clerk presses the REFRIGERATOR user interface button on the designated storage trait. In response, tle controller selects an available refrigerator 18.
2538(r4 l / 08857.0006 US / WGL
nss;; muo, u.s zs~t;c,4!wu;l.
the controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the selected refrigerator 18, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected refrigerator. After insertion of the prescription, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 S on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that the insertion of the refrigeration prescription is complete. In response, the controller lz de<~ctivates the work flo«~ coordinator, darkening light 22, and stores the refrigeration storage location of die prescription in the memory.
If the prescription to be stoe-ed is a valuable or controlled medication, such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, and requires secure storage, then the pharmacy personnel presses die SECURE user interface button on the designated storage unit. In response, the controller selects an available secure storage trait 20. The controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the secure storage unit, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected secure storage.
After insertion of die prescription, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the secure storage unit, signaling the controller that the insertion of the secure prescription is complete. In response, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and stores the secure storage location of the prescription in the memory.
If the prescription is inserted into the wrong storage location, i.e., the storage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, the light beam 44 of the wrong storage location is interrupted, causing a signal to be sent to the controller 12. In response, the controller activates an error signal. This error signal may be audible or visible, or preferably both. Preferably, upon insertion of a prescription into the wrong location, an error light is illuminated and an audible alarm is activated on the storage twit. The error signal remains is3sc~s.i ~ osss~ none us ~ wcF
is ihhh-\l~l~l-.
(IS~S~-(1(106 l1S
active until the prescription is removed from the incorrect location. Upon renewal of the incorrectly placed prescription, the controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of instnicting the pharmacy personnel to place the prescription in the correct designated storage location. The incorrect storage location ma~~ be denoted by the blinking of light 80 pro~:imate said stol age location.
When a customer arrives to pick up a prescription, pharmacy personnel initiate the prescription retrieval procedure by entering identifying information about die patient or the prescription to be retrieved. The identifying information may include the patient name, patient identification number, shopper card, retinal scan of the patient, finger print, or the like. The identifying information may be entered by patients themselves or by pharmacy personnel at a riser work station 16, using the keyboard, scanner, or card reader 17.
I S In response to receiving the identifying IIIfOClnat1011, the controller scans the memory for a match with dIe received information. Upon finding at least one match, the controller may transmit the matched data to die user work station 16 for display to pharmacy personnel. The matched data will be information such as patient name, address, and phone number. Pharmacy personnel may select one of the displayed matches, corresponding to the specific patient and specific prescriptions) for retrieval. The selection of the prescription for retrieval may occur through entry on a keyboard, touch screen, voice recognition, or the like.
If family grouping of prescriptions was done when the prescriptions were inserted into the system, then during retrieval, if there are other prescriptions for the patient or prescriptions for other patients having the same last name, address, phone number, and the like, pharmacy personnel may select 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
~~tW olWlni~.
IIShS. -(Il)llO 1 1 any or all of the displa~~ed grouped prescriptions for retrieval by the customer.
However, if a non-grouping flag has been activated for a patient's prescription, the controller 12 either displays the non-grouped prescription at the user work station with a non-grouping indication or, preferably does not display the non-grouped prescription at all. The non-group indication may be an audible or a visible indication on the display at the user work station 16. For privacy reasons, the non-grouped prescription may be retrieved only by the individual patient or the patient's pre-designated representative.
Preferably, upon selection of the prescriptions) for retrieval, the controller 12 retrieves die designated location of the selected prescriptions) from the memory and activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means of d1e designated storage unit. Upon activation of the work flow coordinator, at least one of the lights 78 on the designated storage trait illuminates, designating a prescription retrieval activin~ in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. Preferably, one of the lights 78, color coded to the user work station 16 where the retrieval was initiated, is illuminated. Also, a light 80 proximate the opening of the storage Lmit permitting access to the designated storage location ilhuninates, prompting the pharmacy persolu~el to remove the prescription from that designated storage location. The pharmacy clerk then removes the prescription from the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80.
In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination of light 80, the controller signals the designated storage unit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position which permits user access to the storage location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receipt of a signal, the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor Lllltll the row containing the designated storage location is proximate the zsasc>4.i ~osas~ ooo~ us ~ wee Ga51y4i ~cl~l', osas?mon<, us window opening 30. In the carousel embodiment of the invention, upon receipt of <~ signal the drive means CO rotates the carousel of vertically stacked trays until access to the designated storage slot is permitted, through one of the OpcI1111gS 55.
Ol7Ce the dClv a 177ea17S l7as SCOpped COtaClIlg the StOCage IOCat1O11S '<llld the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to retrieve the prescription, the pharmacy clerk removes the prescription from the designated stol-age location.
The article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and in con lnltulication with the controller 12, detects the removal of the prescription from the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the removal. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B, when a prescription is removed from a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is no longer blocked by the prescription, and is permitted to reflect ofd of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to tl7e light beam reflecting back to the photo-detector, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being removed from a storage location. Upon receipt of the signal that the prescription has been removed, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80, and deletes the location of the retrieved prescription from the memory. The automated will call system is now ready for another activity.
If there are multiple prescriptions in multiple storage locations to be retrieved for the customer, the controller identifies the current storage locations) permitting user access therein, and then activates the drive means to rotate the storage locations to permit access to the closest designated storage lOCat1017 COlltallllng the multiple prescriptions to be retrieved. Once the article sensor 23 detects removal of the first prescription from the storage location, 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
25.386~/l1'C~l OS\57-I)()O(, llC
a signal is sent to the controller confirming the first retrieval. The controller then activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means, to provide access to the designated storage location of the second prescription to be retrieved. This process is repeated lllltll all selected prescriptions have been retrieved. Upon receipt of die signal representative of the last retrieval, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and deletes the locations of the retrieved prescriptions from the memory. If pharmacy personnel find more than one prescription in the designated storage location, the pharmacy clerk removes all prescriptions from the storage location.
If the prescription to be retrieved was stored in a bulk area, the controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating light 72 on the appropriate bulk area 70, directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the designated bulk storage area. Upon removing the prescription from the bulk storage area, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE
user interface button on the bulk storage unit, confirming completion of the retrieval. A signal is sent to the controller in response to depression of the DONE button, instructing the controller to delete the bulk storage location from the memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72.
If the prescription was stored in a refrigerator, die controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate refrigerator 18, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to remove die prescription from the refrigerator. The clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONE
user interface button 82 on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that removal of the refrigeration prescription is complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the refrigeration storage location from the memory.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
nt;s5~-coot, us zs;t;c,a;acr.
_2c~_ If the prescription is a valuable or controlled medication that was stored in secure storage, the controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate secure storage trait, illuminating light 22, directing the pharmacy clerk to remove the prescr iption from the secure storage mit. The clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONL user interface button 82 on the secure storage wait, signaling the controller that the retrieval of the secure prescription is complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the secure storage location from the memory.
I O Ill the IllUItlple prescription retrieval situation, pharmacy personnel may program the controller to prioritize access to the retrieval locations.
Preferably, retrieval of prescriptions from the refrigerator 18 and secure storage trait 20 are initiated by the controller 12 before retrievals from the storage traits 14, i.e., pick-to-light shelf, conveyor, and carousel. This is to ensure that pharmacy personnel do not forget to retrieve those prescriptions.
The controller may prioritize other will call functions. For example, retrieval of a prescription preferably will take precedence over the storage of a prescription. Thus, if a prescription needs to be retrieved while others are being inserted, the system will permit insertions already in process to be completed, but will place further insertions on hold until the retrieval operation has been completed.
If a prescription is removed from the wrong storage location, i.e., the storage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, the light beam 44 in the wrong storage location will reflect off the reflecting means 25 to the photo-detector 27, causing a signal to be sent to the controller 12. In response to the signal, the controller activates an error signal. This error signal play be audible or visual, or both. For example, upon removal of a prescription from 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1a i~bi'11'OI-tlv\57-()0111 l~5 -30_ the wrong location, an error light is illtuninatcd and an audible alarm is activated on the storage unit. The error signal remains active until the improperly removed prescription is replaced in its correct location. Upon replacement of the incorrectly removed prescription, tile controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the correct designated storage location. The incorrect storage location may be denoted by the blinking of light 80 proximate said storage location.
Additional System Functionality The present invention may also provide capabilities to permit modification of the performance of the system, and monitoring of system fiu~ctions and the pec-formance of pharmacy persomel. The capabilities may include reminders to patients, purging of old prescriptions, and system diagnostics.
To minimize the nwnber of unclaimed prescriptions, the system may automatically communicate with patients to remind them that their prescription is ready for pick-up. Since many prescriptions arc called in and processed through a host system, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, the present invention tracks d1e date and time a prescription is entered into die system, and stored within a storage unit.
As stated earlier, prescriptions enter the system by pharmacy persomel entering identifying data 98 related to the prescription. The identifying data is entered at t1e user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or through mse of a scanner. 'the controller stores the prescription entry time in memory. After prescriptions have remained in the system a predetermined period of time, the system may automatically call the patient to 25 3864.1 / 08857.0006 US / 1NGE:
IIS\S; -fl(I11(, LAS G?,iiib4/\~'C,t remind the patient that the prescription is ready for pick-up. Preferably, the controller 12 automatically sends electronic reminder signals 100 to the host IVR unit 76, which in turn, places an automated call to the patient to provide a reminder that the prescription is ready for pick-up.
Pharmacy personnel may specify the time period prescriptions must remain in the system before a reminder signal is sent, by entering the time period at a user work station 16 or other computer terminal 111 COnllnLllllCatlOll with the system. The reminder signal 100 parameters may be chosen as that reminders arc sent after a preselected length of time, repeatedly sent at a user specified time interval, or sent a user specified number of times.
Alternatively, pharmacy personnel may prompt the controller to print out a listing of the patients, and their phone numbers, who have prescriptions remaining in the system longer than the specified period, allowing pharmacy perSOllllel to call personally and remind the patients to pick up their I S prescrlpaons.
A purge process may be performed to remove prescriptions that have remained mclaimed in the system. The purge process, initiated by pharmacy personnel at die user work station, prompts the controller 12 to identify all prescriptions that have been in the system longer dean a user specified time period.
In response to initiation of the purge process, the controller 12 scans its memory and retrieves the storage location of all prescriptions that have been in the system for longer than the time period specified by the pharmacy persolmel. The controller then signals the system to guide die pharmacy personnel to die storage location closest to a storage unit opening with a prescription to be removed.
rhhe controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating lights 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGI;
25 3864; \\'( ~ I-:
W S5~ flf)O6lIS
78 on the designated storage mit and illumin:~ting light 80 proximate the designated storage opening. Prior to illumination of the lights 80, if applicable, the controller signals the designated storage unit item transport means to move die designated storage location to a position that permits user S access to said storage location. Pharmacy personnel remove the prescription in response to the s~~stem prompts. Once the unclaimed prescription is removed, the system immediately deactivates the currently activated work flow coordinator, and then activates the work flow coordinator and item transport 111ea11S Of the Storage Lllllt COIltalnlIlg the next prescription to be purged. The system repeats this process in a continuous manner until all unclaimed prescriptions designated to be purged have been removed from the system.
Prescriptions removed from the bulk storage, refrigerator, or secure storage are preferably scanned by a sc<~nner, retrieving identifying information and sending it to the controller 12 for deletion of the prescription location from memory.
The purge process is preferably performed periodically when prescription insertion and retrieval operations are least active, e~., when the pharmacy is closed.
System self test diagnostics may be initiated by pharmacy personnel, caLlsing the controller to perform a series of routines to test the system functions and hardware. The tests may prompt the user to perform an action, e.g., ask the user to provide visual confirmation that all lights in the work flow coordinator illuminate. As another, example, a re-synchronization process permits pharmacy personnel to verify that there is a prescription in a slot that is supposed to have a prescription and verify that there is no prescription in a slot that is not supposed to have a prescription. The re-synchronization is typically performed when will call activity is at its lowest.
Preferably, when prompted by the user, the system may print out a 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
25.32;64/\1'C;h, 11\\S7-I10(I(, US
report of activity in the s~~stem (storage and retrievals). Using the print out, pharmacy personnel may manually manipulate the storage units to inspect the storage locations and verify that prescriptions are in their proper location.
Alternatively, the printouts may be automatically printed at user selected time intcmals so that in the event of an emergency, such as if power is lost, pharmacy personnel may use the printouts to manually operate the will call system. For example, the door 53 of a cabinet 52 containing the carousel 54 may be manually opened and the carousel manually rotated, permitting access to desired storage locations, thus allowing the will call process to continue in the <~bsence of electrical power.
As shown in Figure 7, the automated will call system may include several storage cabinets. In such a configuration, one cabinet 52 is the "master" cabinet and the remaining cabinets are "slaves" 52'. The master cabinet and slave cabinets are in communication with die controller 12 via communication links. These links may be hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as desired.
The master cabinet 52 comprises a plurality of user interfaces buttons 68, as previously described. The slave cabinets 52' are the same as the master cabinet, with the exception of having a single user interface button 86, preferably a DONE button. The DONE button provides indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by pharmacy personnel at that cabinet.
As stated above, pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure has been performed. Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or secure storage 20. For the 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1)5857-(10(lh l1S 2532i64'1l'(~I-.
insertion into and retrieval from these storage locations, pharmacy personnel utilize the user interface buttons on the master storage cabinet 52, and onl~~
use the DONE button on the slave cabinet 52' when a prescription is inserted in or retrieved from that slave cabinet bulk storage are<;.
All embodiments of the storage cabinets may include at least one high density storage location having a larger volume than the storage locations described above. Preferably, the high density slots would reside within the carousel storage cabinet 52, wherein an article sensor 23 senses that at least one prescription is inserted into or removed from a high density slot. However, several prescriptions may be in the single slot. The high densin~ slots are for hlgl7 VOhlllle prescription storage, wherein the pharmacy personnel would know drat a prescription is one of many prescriptions within a large slot/bin.
For retrieval of a prescription from a h lgh density storage slot, pharmacy personnel interact with the controller 12 in the same manner as in I S a typical retrieval. In response, the controller communicates with the work flow coordinator and drive means to guide die pharmacy personnel to the proper high density slot containing die prescription to be retrieved. Pharmacy personnel then sort d~rough a relatively small nLllnber of prescriptions in the slot to locate the correct prescription. 'the high density storage configuration significantly decreases the retrieval time since pharmacy personnel are directed to a relatively small number of prescriptions out of a vast number of prescriptions stored in a single cabinet.
As shown in Figure 9, a safety sensor 88 may be attached to the cabinet 90, including a light source 91, a reflecting surface 92, and at least one photo detector 93 adjacent the light source. The light source 91 is oriented so as to direct a light beam 94 to strike a reflecting surface 92 on the lower edge of an opening 96 on the cabinet 90, thereby providing a "light curtain."
1'refcrably, 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
2s.~;:~,awc;n ovaa;-«~uo, us _35_ the light beam 94 emitted from light source 91 is <ariented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of the lowermost opening 96 in the cabinet.
There may be one light beam for each opening 96 in the cabinet 90.
For example, each light beam may be individually oriented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of each opening in the cabinet.
The "light curtain" operates in the same manner as the article sensors 23. When an object, e.g., a h<~nd, interrupts the light beam 94, preventing the light beam from reflecting off of the reflecting surface 92 and being reflected to the photo-detector 93, a signal is sent to the drive means to stop the movement of the conveyor or carotLSCI until the light beam is restored.
Accordingly, injury to phaC117aCy pcrsOllllel and damage to the prescription is avoided.
Via the IVR and PMS, prescriptions can be filled in a central location (central fill), transported to the pharmacy through any suitable logistical method, and then placed into a will call system, according to the invention.
"Predictive refills," wherein pharmacies send patients refills to prescriptions prior to the end of a current prescription expiring or prior to the patient requesting a refill, would benefit from the automated will call system of the invention. To that end, another embodiment of the carousel cabinet 52 comprises removable vertically stacked trays of slots 58. Each slot is preferably pie-shaped and circtunferentially offset. Each tray of slots comprises two semi-circular portions, each portion forming a tote 102.
The tote 102 is filled with completed prescriptions at the central fill location and transported to the pharmacy, where die storage cabinet 52 resides.
The prescription identifying information, as well as the slot location of each filled prescription transported in the tote 102, is stored and sent to the zsasv4. i / osss~.ooo~ us / wcr zs.~i;<,4, wc,n.
os~;sz-ooo<, us pharnr~cy to be entered into the system. The prescription identifying information and slot location of the transported prescriptions may be entered into the controller memory by electronic transmission, such as via modem, or the prescription identifying information may be stored in a memory device <~nd S shipped with the tote 102 in the form of a bar code or read/write tag 104 disposed on the tote, a separate disk, or the like.
As the filled prescriptions arc inserted into the totes 102 at the central fill location, the identifying data 98 on each prescription is entered into a host system, along with the slot location 58 into which the prescription was I 0 inserted. Preferably, the identifying data on the prescription is entered through the use of a sc<~nner. Once the tote 102 is filled, the identifying data is captured and stored on the memory device 104, preferably on the tote 102.
The tote is then shipped to the pharmacy.
Upon arrival at the pharmacy, pharmacy personnel locate an available I S storage cabinet 52 to accommodate the tote. The memory device 104, preferably disposed on the tote, is read by a scalmer 74, which sends to the controller memory all the identifying data and slot locations of the prescriptions within the tote. Pharmacy personnel then insert the tote 102 onto the available shelf 106 of the vertically stacked rows of slots 58, as seen 20 in Figure 10. The semi-circular tote rests on top of the shelf 106 and is releasably attached to the shelf by attachment means 108. The carousel may be manually rotated to a position permitting insertion of the tote. Two semi-circular totes 102 disposed adjacent each other on a shelf form a continuous circle of slots circumferentially disposed about a central shaft 61.
2S The totes permit the transportation of central fill prescriptions to a pharmacy in batch form, and eliminate need for the insertion of individual prescriptions into the automated will call system by pharmacy personnel.
zs ~s~a. ~ ~ oass~.ooo~ us ~ wcE
zs ts<,~.'~~~c;n (16857-000(, l1S
It will be appreciated that the invention permits a self-service unit including automatic payment capabilities, similar to an automated teller machine (ATM) or an automated card reader. The self=service interface mail include a torch screen and a finger print reader or retinal scan unit to verify the identity of patients, for control of the prescription dispensing. The patient can subsequently retrieve a prescription without relying on pharmacy personnel to do so. To ensure that the patient is given the correct prescription, the self service system may, although it need not, be equipped with a single door or with individually secure doors which open and close automatically and provide patient access to only the appropriate storage location or locations.
The automated will call system may be connected to "point of sale"
terminals or other host systems within a retail pharmacy setting. The connection may include automated signature pads, ATM capabilities, and a cash register, ensuring prompt payment and verification for the retrieved prescr>ptions.
Finally, speed and accuracy of service are critical in the delivery of prescriptions in die retail pharmacy or outpatient/clinical pharmacy setting.
Retrieval of the correct prescription as quickly as possible, and satisfaction of the patient is the goal of this system. Testing has shown that the embodiment 2o' of the invention using the carousel transport system will present the correct prescription for retrieval in 4 seconds or less.
Modification, change and substitution arc intended in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate 2 5 that the claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.
The present invention may be embodied in otf~er specific forms without 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGI:
zs;sc,~~w<;r nss5-.mnu, ~ s departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
2.SBR(,4 1 / OR857 0006 US / WGE
In addition, most current pharmacy management systems (1'MS) do not provide electronic ordering or family grouping of prescriptions.
Different members of a household may individually require difFerent medications. With most existing systems, there is no way of <~ssuring that all of the prescriptions for a given household are placed together for pick-up.
This can lead to multiple trips to the pharmacy by members of the same household, when all prescriptions could have been collected at one time if they had been grouped together.
From the ph<~rmacy's point of view, unclaimed prescriptions present a problem. An increasing ntunber of prescriptions presented to the pharmacy for dispensing are never picked up by the patient. In most retail pharmacy settings, the pharmacy stafFmay not necessarily klow that a patient has not picked up a prescription and/or does not have the time to call the patient to provide as many reminders as necessary to have the prescription picked up. This lack of a means to remind the patient that a prescription is ready for pickup increases the likelihood that it will never be picked up at all and, therefore, never sold. If unclaimed prescriptions accumulate, they can clog pick up locations and slow down retrieval and increase patient waiting time. They can also represent a loss of revenue to the pharmacy, since medications already dispensed cannot be reused and, if not picked up, constitute waste. Moreover, some medications are perishable, and must be used quickly. If such medications remain unclaimed for too long, they must be discarded and, in some cases, re-dispensed when a patient finally appears to claim them. This leads to increased cost to the pharmacy and, ultimately, to the patient. To clear out Lmclaimed prescriptions, manual removal or purging 253RG4. i ~ oass~.ooo~ us ~ wcr 25;sc,a;wcr.
nsss~.oo~u, i!s «f mclaimed prescriptions is required, which is very time consmning and tedious. Most pharmacies do not Dave the staff or the time to conveniently perform a purge function, thus exacerbating the tendency of the manual will call system to become clogged.
Floor space within a retail chain or independent pharmacy, as well as outpatient and clinic pharmacies, is at a premium. Many of the current will call systems fail to provide a high storage density.
Also, the confidentialit~~ of patients is given a very high priority.
Accordingly, the current manually operated bins must be placed far enough aw<zy from the sales counter so that the prescription information on the labels cannot be read by other customers. This, of course, runs counter to the need to use less floor space within the pharmacy area, and reduces the efficiency of the will call process. Related confidentiality issues may require that one family member not learn of prescriptions dispensed to other family member. Thus, in some cases there may be a good reason not t:o group together multiple prescriptions from the same household. Manual will call systems are vulnerable to inadvertently grouping together prescriptions which should remain separate.
The present invention remedies the above disadvantages through automated electronic monitoring of the storage and retrieval of the filled prescriptions.
Summar~of the Invention The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for the management of dle storage and removal of items, especially, although not necessarily, filled prescriptions. The present invention provides an efficient and accurate will call fiuxtion by optimizing the storage of items and by electronically tracking the insertion and removal of items.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
OSS57-0006 US 253h63; \1'(.1-.
The automated will call system of the invention tracks the items stored within the system with "absolute confirmation," ensuring that items are inserted and retrieved correctly. The location of stored items is maintained in a memory tllltll the lteIllS ai'c CeIIlOVed. Accordingly, there is a reduction in the potential for errors. There is also a reduction in the dispensing of 117COI11plCte orders from the will call SySteIll by grouping the items according to user-created criteria.
The invention provides high density storage for items by using storage cabinets configured to occupy a minimum of floor space, while providing large storage volume.
The invention also provides for reminders to be automatically sent to patients to pick up items that remain in the will call system for a user-specified time period, permitting the user to use staff time more productively.
In addition, an automatic purge process facilitates the removal of items that have remained within the will call system for a user-specified tulle.
System diagnostic functions provide a way of evaluating the effciency of the system and user personnel, which helps to lower will call operating costs.
In one embodiment, the present invention is an automated will call system for the management of the storage and retrieval of items, comprising at least one of each of an input source, a storage unit, a user work station, and an article sensor, all in communication wide a controller. The controller receives identification data associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores the identification data in memory. The controller assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit. Upon sensing insertion of the item into the Unique storage location, by the article sensor, the controller maintains the unique storage IoCatloll 1I1 In eIIlOCy.
Whell 253864.1 / 08857.0()06 US / WGE
~iass~-mnu, us ~>.«c,a;vcc,l-.
_g_ the renewal of all item from a storage location is .sensed by the article sensor, the controller deletes the unique location from memory.
Brief Descr~tion of the Drawin>rs For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that thls 111vC11t1011 1S IIOt limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view, in simplified form, of an eIllbOdllllellt Of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a simplified block diagralll of the invention of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates one form of a storage writ of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates another form of a storage unit of the present 111Velltloll.
Figure 5A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage tulit shown in Figure 4.
Figure 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a storage location for the storage unit shown in Figure 4, showing "absolute confirmation" sensing of articles in the storage location.
Figure 6 illustrates a third form of storage unit of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention in which plural storage tlllits as in shown in Figure 6 are grouped together.
Figures 8A and 8B illustrate the "absolute confirmation" sensing of articles in a storage location.
Figure 9 illustrates a safety sensor for the storage unit shown in Figure 6.
Figure 10 illustrates a tote for holding articles, which can be used with 25384.1 / 08857.0000 US / WC~E
II\85;-110(1(, l%S 25~864/l1'C~V.
the storage unit shown in Figure 6.
Detailed Description of the Invention The description contained herein relates to the specific sa-uctures of an automated will call SySteIll as presently contemplated. This description, however, is intended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the present invention. For example, while the invention will be described in the context of storing, retrieving, and dispensing prescriptions, the invention is applicable to storing, retrieving, and dispensing other items as well.
In the drawings, where like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown an automated will call system in accordance with the present invention.
The drawings are schematic in that non-essential sn-uctures and elements have been omitted.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, an automated will call system 10 according to the invention includes a controller 12, at least one storage trait 14, at least one user work station 16, and an optional refrigerator 18 and an optional secure storage unit 20. The individual elements of the system are in commtmication with one another via commttllication links represented by the solid lines in Figures 1 and 2. The lines may be considered to represent hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as may be desired.
The controller 12 provides all of the command and control functions for the will call system 10, and manages and tracks the movement of items within the system, i.e., their placement into and removal from the system. The controller 12 may be a stand alone device, such as a PC, or may be embedded within die system, such as at a user work station 16 or even within a storage unit 14. The controller 12 includes a memory to store all received information from outside the system (as will be described in more detail below), as c~~ell as 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
URRS7-(I()0(, I1S 2S3R64/li'(~F.
the locations of all stored items and length of time each item leas been in the SySteln.
The storage trait 14 provides a plurality of storage locations for items.
At Least one opening on the storage wait provides access to the storage locations. The storage locations may be oriented in rows or in columns, and may be moveable to positions providing a user access to the storage locations (as will be described in more detail below).
The user work station 16 provides a site for user and customer interaction with dIC controller 12, such as the input of item identifying data I 0 to identify a particular prescription or prescriptions. User work station 16 may include a card reader 17 associated with it, which can read identifying data from a c<~rd swiped through the card reader by a pharmacy clerk or by the customer. The user work station may comprise interactive inputs/outputs such as a monitor and keyboard, scanner, bar code reader, touch screen, voice recognition system, printer, and the like. As seen in Figure l, a plurality of user work stations 16 may be provided within the automated will call system, permitting multiple insertions and removals simultaneously at a plurality of storage traits 14. They need not be side-by-side as illustrated, but may be remote from one another.
An optional refrigerator 18 for the storage of items requiring refrigeration and an optional secure storage unit 20 for secure storage of valuable or controlled items, such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, are in communication with the controller. Associated with the refrigerator and secure unit are a series of lights 22 coded to correspond to the user work stations 16. The refrigerator and secure storage each have at least one user interface button 82, which permits pharmacy personnel to send a signal to the controller which represents the completion of an insertion or 253864.1 / O8R57 OOOG US / WGE
0asaono, tvs 253Sc,4/W c;li removal operation at the designated refrigerator or secure storage umt.
A work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller, comprises a network of indicators for guiding the user. The work row coordinator tnay comprise either audible or visible indications, or both for the user. For example, the indications may be in the form of a voice recording directing the user. As seen in Figure l, the work flow coordinator preferably comprises incandescent lights 22, 78 disposed on the storage units to guide the user.
The controller 12 receives identification information associated with an item to be stored within the system, and stores that information in memory.
The memory may reside within the controller, within a storage mit 14, another PC, the host system 76, or any other system. The identification information may be received in any convenient manner, such as from a pharmacy management system or dlrough direct entry by the user. The direct entry includes any form of input/output fond at the user work station 16 or storage unit 14.
Identifying indicia on the exterior of an item is entered into the system.
The identifying indicia may be entered in any convenient manner, such as sensing the indicia on the item through use of a scanner at a user work station 16 or at a storage unit 14, or through direct entry by the user. Upon sensing identifying indicia on an item intended for storage within the system, the controller correlates the identification information with the identifying indicia and assigns the item a unique storage location within the storage unit.
Upon user insertion of an item into the unique storage location assigned by the controller, a sensor senses the item insertion and signals the controller. The controller maintains the unique storage location and time of insertion in memory. When it is desired to remove an item from the system, 25;iftO4 1 / OR857.0006 US / WGE
2~.t8ca;w< ~ n.
nsr;s;-~u~m, us the controller retrieves the unique storage location from memoy~. Upon sensing the removal of the item from its storage location, the controller deletes the tu~ique location from memory.
All of the embodiments of the invention have at least one storage runt S COI11pr1Sln g at least one stowage location. One embodiment of storage unit employs open shelves, while two other embodiments, one using a conveyor and the other a carousel, have an enclosed cabinet comprising a door or front panel. The conveyor and carousel embodiments have access openings which permit access to a selected number of storage locations. In the case of the conveyor embodiment, the opening permits access to a single row of stowage locations, with more than one storage location accessible. In die case of the carousel, the opening permits access to multiple rows of storage locations, but only one storage location per row, i.e., a column.
User interface buttons may be provided on all the storage unit embodiments to enable a pharmacy clerk to confirm the completion of insertion and removal procedures (as will be described in more detail below).
This is illustrated schematically in Figure 2. Alternatively, the user interface buttons may be "virtual" buttons, located on a computer screen or a touch screen.
One embodiment of storage unit which can be used with the invention shown as in Figure 3, and is referred to as a "pick-to-light" system. The storage trait is in the form of an open cabinet 15 including a plurality of shelves 19. Each shelf comprises a row of storage locations 13 defined by walls 21.
The walls may be either fixed or movable; preferably, but not necessarily, the shelves are fixed in position. A scanner 50 may be attached to tle cabinet 15, providing means for pharmacy personnel to input item identifying data into the system.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1, tNU3lv Wt (1857-000(, L1S
_13_ An article sensor (as will be described in more detail below) may also be attached proximate each storage location, confirming storage or retrieval of an item. The article sensor comprises a light source, a reflector and a photo-detector, arranged so that a light beam emitted from the light source passes through the storage location and reflects offof the reflector back to the photo-detector, adjacent the light source. The reflector may be a reflector strip, reflecting tape, a reflecting coating on a surface, or the like.
A work flow coordinator is provided on the cabinet 15, and may include a row of lights 78 atop the cabinet and an indicator 80 proximate each storage location 13. The indicator 80 provides guidance to the user as to which storage location to use for an insertion or retrieval procedure.
Another embOdlment Of the Iilvel7tloll Shown 111 Figure 4 has a storage trait comprising a cabinet 26 housing a conveyor 28. The conveyor 28 may be disposed in various collfgurations, but is preferably oriented vertically. The conveyor is rotated by item transport means 31, which may be a drive motor, chain, pulley system, pneumatic device, or the like. The conveyor rotates a plurality of storage locations 36 to a position permitting user access via window 30. The window 30 is sized so as to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at the same time, preferably one row of storage locations 36 at a time.
The conveyor 28 may comprise a plurality of rows 32, each being divided by walls 34 (which may be fixed or movable) which include a plurality of moveable slot members 34. The slot members 34 define the storage locations or slots 36.
As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, an opening 38 is provided on the rear wall 40 of each slot 36. An article sensor 23, comprising a light source 24, is disposed in the interior of the conveyor such drat light from the light source 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
nssa~-cu>cu, us za3ac,a%wc;t~.
24 passes through the rear wall opening 38 in each slot 36. A reflector 25 is attached to the rear face of the cabinet front panel 42 at the bottom of window 30, genes ally opposite the light source. A light bean 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location and reflects off the reflector 25, S back to a photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24.
At least one user interface bllttoll IS provided to generate a signal to represent various functions of die automated will-call system including:
procedure complete, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator storage, and secure storage. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of user interface buttons 46 are shown as being located on the counter 48 of cabinet 26. The user interface buttons may be actual electromechanical devices, or they may be "virtual" buttons, such as on a touch screen, or may be located remote from the storage unit, such as at the user work station 16. More or fewer user interface buttons may be used, as desired.
In addition, a scanner 50 attached to the cabinet 26 provides meals for pharmacy personnel to easily input item identifying data into the system.
Scanner 50 may scan bar coded data on or associated with an item.
As seen in Figures 6, 7, 8A and 8B, and 9, another embodiment of the present invention has a storage unit in the form of an enclosed cabinet 52, having a front panel or door 53, and having at least one carousel 54 contained in the cabinet 52. The door 53 includes at least one opening 55 therethrough, which provides access to storage locations on the carousel. The openings are sized to permit access to a preselected number of slots at the same time, preferably only one slot per carousel at a time. The carousel 54 may vary in size and shape, but preferably the carousel is cylindrical and oriented to rotate about a vertical axis, as in a lazy-Susan design. A drive means 60, preferably disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54, rotates the carousel about its 253804.1 / 08857.OOOG US / WGE
ns~;;.~oo~, us vertical axis. The drive means may be a drive motor, such as a stepper motor, or the like. The carousel may include a plurality of vertically stacked tr<~~~s 56.
Each tray has a plurality of storage locations, preferably in the shape of pie-sh<lped slots 58 CIrCUIIlfeCeIltlall}' spaced and surrounding a central shaft 61.
The slots 58 arc defined by walls 64, which may be fixed or movable. Each vertically stacked tray 56 may be permitted to rotate independently of the others. The vertical stacking of the trays permits a small footprint while maintaining a high density storage cabinet. For example, a 30" wide by 30"
deep cabinet of nominal height would house 144 pie-shaped slots of sufFlcient size to house normal size prescriptions.
As seen in Figures 6, 8A and 8B, each pie-shaped slot 58 includes a reflector 25 at the bottom rear of the slot. A light source 24 is located just above each opening 55, preferably although not necessarily on the inside of the door 53. An article sensor 23, including die light source 24, a reflector 25 and a photo-detector 27, preferably located next to light source 24, transmits signals from the article sensor to the controller, representative of either insertion or removal of an item into or from a storage location. The light source 24, reflector 25, and photo-detector 27 are all arranged and oriented so that a light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 passes through the storage location, reflects off die reflector 25, and returns to the photo-detector 27 adjacent the light source 24.
A bulk storage area 70 provides a place for the storage of items that do not fit into the slots 58. A light 72 on the bulk storage area prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert or remove items from the bulk storage area, when necessary.
A scalmer 74 attached to the cabinet 52, preferably on the door 53, provides means for pharmacy personnel to scan identifying data on an article 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
os~;s;-no~u, u.s zs;hc,a;~~mE-.
into the system. As with the previously described embodiment, scanner 74 may be a bar code scanner.
At least one user interface button 68 is located on the cabinet 52, preferably on the door 53. User interface buttons 68 may be provided to represent «ne or more filnctions of the system including: procedure done, next available slot, bulk storage, refrigerator, and secure storage, as will be described in more detail below.
The user interface buttons provide a way for a pharmacy clerk to IIldlCate the COInplet1011 Of an insertion or retrieval of an item from a storage I 0 location. The user interface buttons represent various functions of the will call system, including: procedure complete (DONE), next available storage loc<;tion (NEXT), bulk storage (BULK), refrigerator storage (REFRIGERATOR), and secure storage (SECURE). The user interface buttons can be used during both storage and retrieval operations. Additional user interface butto115 llla)~ be provided t0 represent aS Illal7y fun Ctlons aS
deemed necessary.
The DONE button provides an indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by die pharmacy clerk.
Pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure has been performed.
Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or secure storage 20. If only one user interface button is provided on a storage unit, it is preferably the DONE button.
The NEX'h button provides indication to the controller 12 that the controller designated storage location currently already contains too many items to accommodate an item intended for that location. The user presses the 253864.1 / O8R57.0006 US / N'(~F
zs.~sc,-~ nvc:n us~s~-oocu, us NEXT button to instruct the controller 12 to designate a new storage location for the plaCe111cl1t Of the intended item.
Depression of the BULK button provides indication to the controller 12 that an item is too large to fit into the designated storage location <~nd that the controller should designate a bulk storage area 70 for storage of the item.
Upon insertion of the item into the designated bulk area, the user will press the DONE button, as stated <;hove.
The REFRIGERATOR and SECURE button are used in the same manner as the BULK button. The user presses the lIltellded button, I 0 instructing the controller 12 to change the designated storage location to either a refrigerator 18 or secure storage trait 20. Upon insertion of the item into the designated storage location, the user will press the DONE button, as stated above.
The work flow coordinator, in communication with the controller 12, comprises a network of indicators to provide guidance to the user. The work flow coordinator may include audible or visible indications, or both, for the pharmacy personnel to follow. Preferably, the work flow coordinator comprises a network of lights including at least one light 78 attached to each storage unit and at least one light 80 proximate each storage unit opening.
The lights are located to be easily visible to pharmacy personnel. To effectively provide guidance to the user, the lights 78 preferably comprise a row of lights attached proximate the top of the storage unit. The number of lights in the row 78 is preferably equal to the number of User work stations in the system, in addition to at least one error light. The lights may be illuminated steadily or may blink in a predetermined pattern, and the lights may be any shape or color, and may be color coded to correspond to designated user work stations 16.
z538(r1.1 / 08857.OOOG US / ~'GE
nas;~-cuuu, c!s zs3hc,.~!v~~;E-.
rI'he controller 12 will activate the work flow coordin<;tor, illuminating the row of lights 78 on the storage tllit and the light 80 proximate the designated storage location to guide the user for both insertion and retrieval procedure from a designated storage location. Upon sensing completion of the S procedure, the controller 12 will deactivate the work flow coordinator.
Operation of the Automated Will Call System The operation of the automated will call system is described as being used for management of prescriptions in a pharmacy setting. The users arc pharmacy personnel who include pharmacists, technicians, and clerks.
However, it should be kept Ill Illllld that th a IllVelltlon 1S llOt limited to a particular use and is applicable to the storage and retrieval of items in addition to prescrlpaons.
The prescription dispensing process begins with hard cope prescription requests brought to d1e pharmacy by the patient or the patient's representative.
The patient drops of~the script and returns at a later time to retrieve the filled prescription. Alternatively, a doctor or the doctor's representative phones a prescription request into the pharmacy and the patient goes to the pharmacy to pick it up after it has been filled.
As shown in Figure 2, the system receives patient and prescription identification information 84 to be stored within the automated will call system. The identification information is received at the controller 12. The identification information 84 may be sent via common communlcatlon methods from a host system 76, i.e., a pharmacy management system, or entered by pharmacy personnel using interactive input/output units at the user work station 16 or the storage unit 14. The identification information received includes: an order ntunber, patient name, address, phone number, time/date, 2.53864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WC: E:
zs ~s~,a;»~c~t:
(1SRS7-(10(Ib U.S
_ I c~ _ prescription number, patient identification ntllnbel-, refrigeration required, controlled drug, national drug code (NDC) IlL1I17ber, 11011-gCOl1p111g flag, or the like. The identification information is stored in memory.
The prescriptions arc filled by the pharmacist and placed into bags; the bags arc then placed into bins or trays. Alternatively, the prescriptions are filled off site and shipped to the pharmacy in bins or trays. The filled or partially filled prescriptions, now ready for storage within the automated will call system, arc received b ~~ pharmacy personnel. Periodically, pharmacy personnel take the bins or trays to the automated will call system to insert the prescriptions for later retrieval for or by customers.
The pharmacy personnel enter the identifying data 98 on the prescription into the automated will call system. The identifying data may be entered at the user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or if the prescriptions are bar-coded, as is preferred, through use of a I S scanner, preferably through a scanner located at the storage unit 14. The identifying data is correlated, by the controller 12, wide other pertinent information such as identification information 84 received from the host system.
In response to receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12 scans for a match with the identification information currently stored in a memory, either its local memory or a remote memory such as at a host computer 76.
The controller searches for a match of information such as the patient name, address, phone number, and patient identification number. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescription as the matched prescriptions currently stored in the system. If no match is found, the controller assigns a mique storage location for tde prescription to be placed in the system. The controller 12 preferably designates the closest 253R6~ 1 / O8R57.0006 US / WGE
25.~f;<,4'V'(~h 11ss57-OOOC, lJS
available storage location for the prescription rather than a predetermined position, thus reducing prescription placement processing time. ~hhe designation of the closest available storage location also reduces the required rotation of the item transport means in the conveyor 26 and carousel 52 enlbOd1I11e11tS.
Prescription grouping may be performed by the system, wherein grouping parameters arc designated by the system user, based on any identification information stored lIl memory. Preferably, prescriptions are grouped by family, using the patient last name and address. Grouping enables the patient to pick up all prescriptions for the patient and odler famil~~
members at one time.
With grouping, upon receipt of the identifying data, the controller 12 scans the memory for a match of patient last name and address with the identification information of patient prescriptions currently stored in the system. If a match is found, the controller assigns the same storage location for the prescriptions as the matched family prescriptions currently stored in the system.
However, for privacy reasons, a flag may optionally be activated in the automated will call system, preventing automatic grouping for specific patients or scripts. The non-grouping flag may be an audible or visual indication to the pharmacy personnel to not group a specific prescription with others. The indication may emanate from the user work station as an audible signal or a visual signal on a user work station monitor, or a visual indication placed directly on the prescription. Preferably, the non-grouping flag is included in the 1de11t1flCati0I1 lllfOrlllatloll 84 received by the controller 12 and stored in memory. During the matching of identifying data with identification information procedure, if a non-grouping flag is found with the matched 253864. I / 08857.0006 US / 1S'G1?
Zs.i864i\1'(.E
08857-000(, l1S
patient name and address, the controller 12 will automatically assign a unique storage location for the prescription, and grouping will not take place.
Upon controller designation of a storage location, the controller aCtivateS the SySteIIl Work flow COOrdlllat()I'. Upon activation of the wor k flo«~
coordinator, the lights 78 on the designated storage unit illtuninate, designating that a storage oper<;tion is in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. A light 80 proximate an opening of the storage mit permitting access to the designated storage location illuminates, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription into the designated storage location. The pharmacy personnel then inserts the prescription into the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80.
In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination of light 80, the controller signals the designated storage alit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position that permits user access to I 5 the location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receipt of a signal, the drive means 31 rotates die rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor mtil the row containing the designated location is proximate the window opening 30.
In the carousel embodiment, upon receipt of a signal the drive means 60, disposed on a shelf 62 above the carousel 54, rotates dle carousel of vertically stacked trays to provide access to the designated slot through one of the openings 55.
Once the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription and, if applicable, the drive means has stopped rotating dle storage locations, the pharmacy clerk inserts die prescription into the designated storage location.
An article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and in cocnmtu~ication with the controller 12, detects the insertion of the prescription 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
CA 02324176 2000-10-23 «..
into the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B, when a prescription is placed within a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is blocked, thus preventing the reflection of the light beam off of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to the light beam being blocked, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being placed in a storage location. Upon receipt of the signal at the controller that an article has been inserted, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80, and stores the location of the inserted prescription in the InelllOry. The automated will call system is now ready for another operation.
If pharmacy personnel find a prescription already in the designated storage location, such as when adding a prescription to a group, the pharmacy personnel remove the current prescription from the storage location. The article sensor 23 detects removal of the prescription from the stol°age location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the activity. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the "new" prescription and the "prior" prescription back into the same designated storage location at the same time. The article sensor 23 detects the insertion of the "new" and "prior" prescriptions. The article sensor sends a signal to the controller representative of the prescriptions being placed into the storage location. Upon receirt of the signal, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and stores the location of the inserted prescriptions in the memory.
If the designated storage location is already full with prescriptions, and the prescription to be inserted will not fit, the pharmacy clerk presses the NEXT user interface button on the storage unit. In response, a signal is sent to the controller 12 111StCllCtlIlg the controller that the designated storage 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1?,5~(,-~y\W h.
(1\\S~-11(1(1(, l~S
lOCatloll Cllrrclltly haS t00 lllall~~ prescriptions to accommodate the intended item. TI1C COIItCOller SC<lIlS the IIICIllo1-y and designates the closest available storage location for the placement of the prescription. The controller activates the work flow coordinator and item transport means of tile designated storage unit, guiding the pharmacy personnel to tile new designated storage location.
1 he phaCIIlaCy clerk then inserts die prescription into the new designated storage location. Again, upon receipt of a signal from the article sensor 23 indicating insertion, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator and stores the new designated storage location in the memory.
If the prescription does not fit into a storage location because it is too large, the pharmacy clerk presses the BULK user interface button. In response, a signal is sent to the controller informing the controller drat die prescr iption is too large to fit into the designated storage location and instructing the controller to select a bull: area storage location for the prescription. The controller designates a bulk area location and illtuninates a light 72 adjacent the designated bulk area 70, prompting the pharmacy personnel to insert the prescription. The pharmacy clerk then inserts the prescription into the designated bulk storage area. Upon completion of the bulk insertion, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button on the storage Lu~it containing the bulk area, confirming completion of the bulk area placement.
A signal is sent to the controller in response to pressing the DONE button, instructing the controller to store the designated bulk storage location of the prescription in memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72.
If the prescription to be stored requires refrigeration, the pharmacy clerk presses the REFRIGERATOR user interface button on the designated storage trait. In response, tle controller selects an available refrigerator 18.
2538(r4 l / 08857.0006 US / WGL
nss;; muo, u.s zs~t;c,4!wu;l.
the controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the selected refrigerator 18, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected refrigerator. After insertion of the prescription, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 S on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that the insertion of the refrigeration prescription is complete. In response, the controller lz de<~ctivates the work flo«~ coordinator, darkening light 22, and stores the refrigeration storage location of die prescription in the memory.
If the prescription to be stoe-ed is a valuable or controlled medication, such as Drug Enforcement Agency Schedule C2 medications, and requires secure storage, then the pharmacy personnel presses die SECURE user interface button on the designated storage unit. In response, the controller selects an available secure storage trait 20. The controller 12 activates the work flow coordinator on the secure storage unit, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to insert the prescription into the selected secure storage.
After insertion of die prescription, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE user interface button 82 on the secure storage unit, signaling the controller that the insertion of the secure prescription is complete. In response, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and stores the secure storage location of the prescription in the memory.
If the prescription is inserted into the wrong storage location, i.e., the storage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, the light beam 44 of the wrong storage location is interrupted, causing a signal to be sent to the controller 12. In response, the controller activates an error signal. This error signal may be audible or visible, or preferably both. Preferably, upon insertion of a prescription into the wrong location, an error light is illuminated and an audible alarm is activated on the storage twit. The error signal remains is3sc~s.i ~ osss~ none us ~ wcF
is ihhh-\l~l~l-.
(IS~S~-(1(106 l1S
active until the prescription is removed from the incorrect location. Upon renewal of the incorrectly placed prescription, the controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of instnicting the pharmacy personnel to place the prescription in the correct designated storage location. The incorrect storage location ma~~ be denoted by the blinking of light 80 pro~:imate said stol age location.
When a customer arrives to pick up a prescription, pharmacy personnel initiate the prescription retrieval procedure by entering identifying information about die patient or the prescription to be retrieved. The identifying information may include the patient name, patient identification number, shopper card, retinal scan of the patient, finger print, or the like. The identifying information may be entered by patients themselves or by pharmacy personnel at a riser work station 16, using the keyboard, scanner, or card reader 17.
I S In response to receiving the identifying IIIfOClnat1011, the controller scans the memory for a match with dIe received information. Upon finding at least one match, the controller may transmit the matched data to die user work station 16 for display to pharmacy personnel. The matched data will be information such as patient name, address, and phone number. Pharmacy personnel may select one of the displayed matches, corresponding to the specific patient and specific prescriptions) for retrieval. The selection of the prescription for retrieval may occur through entry on a keyboard, touch screen, voice recognition, or the like.
If family grouping of prescriptions was done when the prescriptions were inserted into the system, then during retrieval, if there are other prescriptions for the patient or prescriptions for other patients having the same last name, address, phone number, and the like, pharmacy personnel may select 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
~~tW olWlni~.
IIShS. -(Il)llO 1 1 any or all of the displa~~ed grouped prescriptions for retrieval by the customer.
However, if a non-grouping flag has been activated for a patient's prescription, the controller 12 either displays the non-grouped prescription at the user work station with a non-grouping indication or, preferably does not display the non-grouped prescription at all. The non-group indication may be an audible or a visible indication on the display at the user work station 16. For privacy reasons, the non-grouped prescription may be retrieved only by the individual patient or the patient's pre-designated representative.
Preferably, upon selection of the prescriptions) for retrieval, the controller 12 retrieves die designated location of the selected prescriptions) from the memory and activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means of d1e designated storage unit. Upon activation of the work flow coordinator, at least one of the lights 78 on the designated storage trait illuminates, designating a prescription retrieval activin~ in progress and guiding pharmacy personnel to the proper storage unit. Preferably, one of the lights 78, color coded to the user work station 16 where the retrieval was initiated, is illuminated. Also, a light 80 proximate the opening of the storage Lmit permitting access to the designated storage location ilhuninates, prompting the pharmacy persolu~el to remove the prescription from that designated storage location. The pharmacy clerk then removes the prescription from the storage location proximate the illuminated light 80.
In the conveyor and carousel embodiments, prior to the illumination of light 80, the controller signals the designated storage unit drive means to move the designated storage location to a position which permits user access to the storage location. In the conveyor embodiment, upon receipt of a signal, the drive means 31 rotates the rows of storage locations 32 on the conveyor Lllltll the row containing the designated storage location is proximate the zsasc>4.i ~osas~ ooo~ us ~ wee Ga51y4i ~cl~l', osas?mon<, us window opening 30. In the carousel embodiment of the invention, upon receipt of <~ signal the drive means CO rotates the carousel of vertically stacked trays until access to the designated storage slot is permitted, through one of the OpcI1111gS 55.
Ol7Ce the dClv a 177ea17S l7as SCOpped COtaClIlg the StOCage IOCat1O11S '<llld the work flow coordinator prompts the pharmacy personnel to retrieve the prescription, the pharmacy clerk removes the prescription from the designated stol-age location.
The article sensor 23, adjacent the designated storage location and in con lnltulication with the controller 12, detects the removal of the prescription from the storage location and sends a signal to the controller confirming the removal. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 8A and 8B, when a prescription is removed from a storage location, the light beam 44 emitted from the light source 24 is no longer blocked by the prescription, and is permitted to reflect ofd of the reflecting means 25 back to the photo-detector 27. The article sensor 23, in response to tl7e light beam reflecting back to the photo-detector, sends a signal to the controller representative of a prescription being removed from a storage location. Upon receipt of the signal that the prescription has been removed, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening lights 78 and 80, and deletes the location of the retrieved prescription from the memory. The automated will call system is now ready for another activity.
If there are multiple prescriptions in multiple storage locations to be retrieved for the customer, the controller identifies the current storage locations) permitting user access therein, and then activates the drive means to rotate the storage locations to permit access to the closest designated storage lOCat1017 COlltallllng the multiple prescriptions to be retrieved. Once the article sensor 23 detects removal of the first prescription from the storage location, 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
25.386~/l1'C~l OS\57-I)()O(, llC
a signal is sent to the controller confirming the first retrieval. The controller then activates the work flow coordinator, and if applicable, the drive means, to provide access to the designated storage location of the second prescription to be retrieved. This process is repeated lllltll all selected prescriptions have been retrieved. Upon receipt of die signal representative of the last retrieval, the controller deactivates the work flow coordinator, and deletes the locations of the retrieved prescriptions from the memory. If pharmacy personnel find more than one prescription in the designated storage location, the pharmacy clerk removes all prescriptions from the storage location.
If the prescription to be retrieved was stored in a bulk area, the controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating light 72 on the appropriate bulk area 70, directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the designated bulk storage area. Upon removing the prescription from the bulk storage area, the pharmacy clerk presses the DONE
user interface button on the bulk storage unit, confirming completion of the retrieval. A signal is sent to the controller in response to depression of the DONE button, instructing the controller to delete the bulk storage location from the memory and deactivate the work flow coordinator, including the bulk area light 72.
If the prescription was stored in a refrigerator, die controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate refrigerator 18, illuminating light 22 and directing the pharmacy clerk to remove die prescription from the refrigerator. The clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONE
user interface button 82 on the refrigerator, signaling the controller that removal of the refrigeration prescription is complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the refrigeration storage location from the memory.
253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
nt;s5~-coot, us zs;t;c,a;acr.
_2c~_ If the prescription is a valuable or controlled medication that was stored in secure storage, the controller activates the work flow coordinator on the appropriate secure storage trait, illuminating light 22, directing the pharmacy clerk to remove the prescr iption from the secure storage mit. The clerk then removes the prescription, and presses the DONL user interface button 82 on the secure storage wait, signaling the controller that the retrieval of the secure prescription is complete. In response, the controller 12 deactivates the work flow coordinator, darkening light 22, and deletes the secure storage location from the memory.
I O Ill the IllUItlple prescription retrieval situation, pharmacy personnel may program the controller to prioritize access to the retrieval locations.
Preferably, retrieval of prescriptions from the refrigerator 18 and secure storage trait 20 are initiated by the controller 12 before retrievals from the storage traits 14, i.e., pick-to-light shelf, conveyor, and carousel. This is to ensure that pharmacy personnel do not forget to retrieve those prescriptions.
The controller may prioritize other will call functions. For example, retrieval of a prescription preferably will take precedence over the storage of a prescription. Thus, if a prescription needs to be retrieved while others are being inserted, the system will permit insertions already in process to be completed, but will place further insertions on hold until the retrieval operation has been completed.
If a prescription is removed from the wrong storage location, i.e., the storage location not illuminated by the work flow coordinator, the light beam 44 in the wrong storage location will reflect off the reflecting means 25 to the photo-detector 27, causing a signal to be sent to the controller 12. In response to the signal, the controller activates an error signal. This error signal play be audible or visual, or both. For example, upon removal of a prescription from 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1a i~bi'11'OI-tlv\57-()0111 l~5 -30_ the wrong location, an error light is illtuninatcd and an audible alarm is activated on the storage unit. The error signal remains active until the improperly removed prescription is replaced in its correct location. Upon replacement of the incorrectly removed prescription, tile controller 12 returns the work flow coordinator to the status of directing the pharmacy clerk to retrieve the prescription from the correct designated storage location. The incorrect storage location may be denoted by the blinking of light 80 proximate said storage location.
Additional System Functionality The present invention may also provide capabilities to permit modification of the performance of the system, and monitoring of system fiu~ctions and the pec-formance of pharmacy persomel. The capabilities may include reminders to patients, purging of old prescriptions, and system diagnostics.
To minimize the nwnber of unclaimed prescriptions, the system may automatically communicate with patients to remind them that their prescription is ready for pick-up. Since many prescriptions arc called in and processed through a host system, such as an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system, the present invention tracks d1e date and time a prescription is entered into die system, and stored within a storage unit.
As stated earlier, prescriptions enter the system by pharmacy persomel entering identifying data 98 related to the prescription. The identifying data is entered at t1e user work station 16 by manual entry, i.e., keyboard or touch screen, or through mse of a scanner. 'the controller stores the prescription entry time in memory. After prescriptions have remained in the system a predetermined period of time, the system may automatically call the patient to 25 3864.1 / 08857.0006 US / 1NGE:
IIS\S; -fl(I11(, LAS G?,iiib4/\~'C,t remind the patient that the prescription is ready for pick-up. Preferably, the controller 12 automatically sends electronic reminder signals 100 to the host IVR unit 76, which in turn, places an automated call to the patient to provide a reminder that the prescription is ready for pick-up.
Pharmacy personnel may specify the time period prescriptions must remain in the system before a reminder signal is sent, by entering the time period at a user work station 16 or other computer terminal 111 COnllnLllllCatlOll with the system. The reminder signal 100 parameters may be chosen as that reminders arc sent after a preselected length of time, repeatedly sent at a user specified time interval, or sent a user specified number of times.
Alternatively, pharmacy personnel may prompt the controller to print out a listing of the patients, and their phone numbers, who have prescriptions remaining in the system longer than the specified period, allowing pharmacy perSOllllel to call personally and remind the patients to pick up their I S prescrlpaons.
A purge process may be performed to remove prescriptions that have remained mclaimed in the system. The purge process, initiated by pharmacy personnel at die user work station, prompts the controller 12 to identify all prescriptions that have been in the system longer dean a user specified time period.
In response to initiation of the purge process, the controller 12 scans its memory and retrieves the storage location of all prescriptions that have been in the system for longer than the time period specified by the pharmacy persolmel. The controller then signals the system to guide die pharmacy personnel to die storage location closest to a storage unit opening with a prescription to be removed.
rhhe controller activates the work flow coordinator, illuminating lights 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGI;
25 3864; \\'( ~ I-:
W S5~ flf)O6lIS
78 on the designated storage mit and illumin:~ting light 80 proximate the designated storage opening. Prior to illumination of the lights 80, if applicable, the controller signals the designated storage unit item transport means to move die designated storage location to a position that permits user S access to said storage location. Pharmacy personnel remove the prescription in response to the s~~stem prompts. Once the unclaimed prescription is removed, the system immediately deactivates the currently activated work flow coordinator, and then activates the work flow coordinator and item transport 111ea11S Of the Storage Lllllt COIltalnlIlg the next prescription to be purged. The system repeats this process in a continuous manner until all unclaimed prescriptions designated to be purged have been removed from the system.
Prescriptions removed from the bulk storage, refrigerator, or secure storage are preferably scanned by a sc<~nner, retrieving identifying information and sending it to the controller 12 for deletion of the prescription location from memory.
The purge process is preferably performed periodically when prescription insertion and retrieval operations are least active, e~., when the pharmacy is closed.
System self test diagnostics may be initiated by pharmacy personnel, caLlsing the controller to perform a series of routines to test the system functions and hardware. The tests may prompt the user to perform an action, e.g., ask the user to provide visual confirmation that all lights in the work flow coordinator illuminate. As another, example, a re-synchronization process permits pharmacy personnel to verify that there is a prescription in a slot that is supposed to have a prescription and verify that there is no prescription in a slot that is not supposed to have a prescription. The re-synchronization is typically performed when will call activity is at its lowest.
Preferably, when prompted by the user, the system may print out a 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
25.32;64/\1'C;h, 11\\S7-I10(I(, US
report of activity in the s~~stem (storage and retrievals). Using the print out, pharmacy personnel may manually manipulate the storage units to inspect the storage locations and verify that prescriptions are in their proper location.
Alternatively, the printouts may be automatically printed at user selected time intcmals so that in the event of an emergency, such as if power is lost, pharmacy personnel may use the printouts to manually operate the will call system. For example, the door 53 of a cabinet 52 containing the carousel 54 may be manually opened and the carousel manually rotated, permitting access to desired storage locations, thus allowing the will call process to continue in the <~bsence of electrical power.
As shown in Figure 7, the automated will call system may include several storage cabinets. In such a configuration, one cabinet 52 is the "master" cabinet and the remaining cabinets are "slaves" 52'. The master cabinet and slave cabinets are in communication with die controller 12 via communication links. These links may be hard-wired connections, or optical or wireless connections, as desired.
The master cabinet 52 comprises a plurality of user interfaces buttons 68, as previously described. The slave cabinets 52' are the same as the master cabinet, with the exception of having a single user interface button 86, preferably a DONE button. The DONE button provides indication to the controller 12 that an insertion or retrieval procedure has been completed by pharmacy personnel at that cabinet.
As stated above, pressing the DONE button is necessary where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 that a procedure has been performed. Procedures where an article sensor 23 may not provide indication to the controller 12 include insertion or retrieval of items from bulk storage 70, the refrigerator 18, or secure storage 20. For the 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
1)5857-(10(lh l1S 2532i64'1l'(~I-.
insertion into and retrieval from these storage locations, pharmacy personnel utilize the user interface buttons on the master storage cabinet 52, and onl~~
use the DONE button on the slave cabinet 52' when a prescription is inserted in or retrieved from that slave cabinet bulk storage are<;.
All embodiments of the storage cabinets may include at least one high density storage location having a larger volume than the storage locations described above. Preferably, the high density slots would reside within the carousel storage cabinet 52, wherein an article sensor 23 senses that at least one prescription is inserted into or removed from a high density slot. However, several prescriptions may be in the single slot. The high densin~ slots are for hlgl7 VOhlllle prescription storage, wherein the pharmacy personnel would know drat a prescription is one of many prescriptions within a large slot/bin.
For retrieval of a prescription from a h lgh density storage slot, pharmacy personnel interact with the controller 12 in the same manner as in I S a typical retrieval. In response, the controller communicates with the work flow coordinator and drive means to guide die pharmacy personnel to the proper high density slot containing die prescription to be retrieved. Pharmacy personnel then sort d~rough a relatively small nLllnber of prescriptions in the slot to locate the correct prescription. 'the high density storage configuration significantly decreases the retrieval time since pharmacy personnel are directed to a relatively small number of prescriptions out of a vast number of prescriptions stored in a single cabinet.
As shown in Figure 9, a safety sensor 88 may be attached to the cabinet 90, including a light source 91, a reflecting surface 92, and at least one photo detector 93 adjacent the light source. The light source 91 is oriented so as to direct a light beam 94 to strike a reflecting surface 92 on the lower edge of an opening 96 on the cabinet 90, thereby providing a "light curtain."
1'refcrably, 253864.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGE
2s.~;:~,awc;n ovaa;-«~uo, us _35_ the light beam 94 emitted from light source 91 is <ariented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of the lowermost opening 96 in the cabinet.
There may be one light beam for each opening 96 in the cabinet 90.
For example, each light beam may be individually oriented to strike a reflecting surface 92 located on the lower edge of each opening in the cabinet.
The "light curtain" operates in the same manner as the article sensors 23. When an object, e.g., a h<~nd, interrupts the light beam 94, preventing the light beam from reflecting off of the reflecting surface 92 and being reflected to the photo-detector 93, a signal is sent to the drive means to stop the movement of the conveyor or carotLSCI until the light beam is restored.
Accordingly, injury to phaC117aCy pcrsOllllel and damage to the prescription is avoided.
Via the IVR and PMS, prescriptions can be filled in a central location (central fill), transported to the pharmacy through any suitable logistical method, and then placed into a will call system, according to the invention.
"Predictive refills," wherein pharmacies send patients refills to prescriptions prior to the end of a current prescription expiring or prior to the patient requesting a refill, would benefit from the automated will call system of the invention. To that end, another embodiment of the carousel cabinet 52 comprises removable vertically stacked trays of slots 58. Each slot is preferably pie-shaped and circtunferentially offset. Each tray of slots comprises two semi-circular portions, each portion forming a tote 102.
The tote 102 is filled with completed prescriptions at the central fill location and transported to the pharmacy, where die storage cabinet 52 resides.
The prescription identifying information, as well as the slot location of each filled prescription transported in the tote 102, is stored and sent to the zsasv4. i / osss~.ooo~ us / wcr zs.~i;<,4, wc,n.
os~;sz-ooo<, us pharnr~cy to be entered into the system. The prescription identifying information and slot location of the transported prescriptions may be entered into the controller memory by electronic transmission, such as via modem, or the prescription identifying information may be stored in a memory device <~nd S shipped with the tote 102 in the form of a bar code or read/write tag 104 disposed on the tote, a separate disk, or the like.
As the filled prescriptions arc inserted into the totes 102 at the central fill location, the identifying data 98 on each prescription is entered into a host system, along with the slot location 58 into which the prescription was I 0 inserted. Preferably, the identifying data on the prescription is entered through the use of a sc<~nner. Once the tote 102 is filled, the identifying data is captured and stored on the memory device 104, preferably on the tote 102.
The tote is then shipped to the pharmacy.
Upon arrival at the pharmacy, pharmacy personnel locate an available I S storage cabinet 52 to accommodate the tote. The memory device 104, preferably disposed on the tote, is read by a scalmer 74, which sends to the controller memory all the identifying data and slot locations of the prescriptions within the tote. Pharmacy personnel then insert the tote 102 onto the available shelf 106 of the vertically stacked rows of slots 58, as seen 20 in Figure 10. The semi-circular tote rests on top of the shelf 106 and is releasably attached to the shelf by attachment means 108. The carousel may be manually rotated to a position permitting insertion of the tote. Two semi-circular totes 102 disposed adjacent each other on a shelf form a continuous circle of slots circumferentially disposed about a central shaft 61.
2S The totes permit the transportation of central fill prescriptions to a pharmacy in batch form, and eliminate need for the insertion of individual prescriptions into the automated will call system by pharmacy personnel.
zs ~s~a. ~ ~ oass~.ooo~ us ~ wcE
zs ts<,~.'~~~c;n (16857-000(, l1S
It will be appreciated that the invention permits a self-service unit including automatic payment capabilities, similar to an automated teller machine (ATM) or an automated card reader. The self=service interface mail include a torch screen and a finger print reader or retinal scan unit to verify the identity of patients, for control of the prescription dispensing. The patient can subsequently retrieve a prescription without relying on pharmacy personnel to do so. To ensure that the patient is given the correct prescription, the self service system may, although it need not, be equipped with a single door or with individually secure doors which open and close automatically and provide patient access to only the appropriate storage location or locations.
The automated will call system may be connected to "point of sale"
terminals or other host systems within a retail pharmacy setting. The connection may include automated signature pads, ATM capabilities, and a cash register, ensuring prompt payment and verification for the retrieved prescr>ptions.
Finally, speed and accuracy of service are critical in the delivery of prescriptions in die retail pharmacy or outpatient/clinical pharmacy setting.
Retrieval of the correct prescription as quickly as possible, and satisfaction of the patient is the goal of this system. Testing has shown that the embodiment 2o' of the invention using the carousel transport system will present the correct prescription for retrieval in 4 seconds or less.
Modification, change and substitution arc intended in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate 2 5 that the claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scope of the invention herein.
The present invention may be embodied in otf~er specific forms without 2538(>4.1 / 08857.0006 US / WGI:
zs;sc,~~w<;r nss5-.mnu, ~ s departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, reference should be made to the appended claims, rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope of the invention.
2.SBR(,4 1 / OR857 0006 US / WGE
Claims (39)
1. An automated will call system comprising:
a) an input source for providing identification information;
b) a controller for management of storage and removal of items within the automated will call system, the controller receiving identification information from the input source and in response thereto generating a signal representative of a location of an associated item for tracking said item within the will call system;
c) a cabinet for the storage of items, the cabinet comprising: an interface with the controller, a plurality of storage locations, and at least one user interface button;
d) at least one article sensor in communication with the controller for absolute confirmation of insertion or removal of an item into or from a storage location; and e) a user work station comprising an interface with the controller.
a) an input source for providing identification information;
b) a controller for management of storage and removal of items within the automated will call system, the controller receiving identification information from the input source and in response thereto generating a signal representative of a location of an associated item for tracking said item within the will call system;
c) a cabinet for the storage of items, the cabinet comprising: an interface with the controller, a plurality of storage locations, and at least one user interface button;
d) at least one article sensor in communication with the controller for absolute confirmation of insertion or removal of an item into or from a storage location; and e) a user work station comprising an interface with the controller.
2. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input source is any one of the group comprising: a bar code reader, user work station, and host computer system.
3. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal activates a visible indicator.
4. Am automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal activates an audible indicator.
5. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the visible indicator comprises at least one indicator light.
6. An automated will call system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said at least one article sensor comprises a light source, reflector, and a photo-detector.
7. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the automated will call system further comprises:
a refrigerator comprising at least one indicator light and a controller interface button; and a secure storage unit comprising locking means, at least one indicator light and a controller interface button.
a refrigerator comprising at least one indicator light and a controller interface button; and a secure storage unit comprising locking means, at least one indicator light and a controller interface button.
8. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the cabinet further includes a drive means.
9. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of storage locations are located on a conveyor.
10. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the cabinet further comprises:
a front panel having an opening therethrough dimensioned to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at one time.
a front panel having an opening therethrough dimensioned to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at one time.
11. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cabinet further comprises:
an elongated horizontally disposed counter-top adjacent a bottom edge of the front panel opening;
at least one of the storage locations comprising; a rear wall with an opening therein; a light source; and light sensor disposed within the opening; and a reflector located adjacent the counter-top to reflect light from the light source to the photo-detector.
an elongated horizontally disposed counter-top adjacent a bottom edge of the front panel opening;
at least one of the storage locations comprising; a rear wall with an opening therein; a light source; and light sensor disposed within the opening; and a reflector located adjacent the counter-top to reflect light from the light source to the photo-detector.
12. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the plurality of storage locations are located on a carousel.
13. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cabinet further comprises a front panel having an opening therethrough dimensioned to permit access to a selected number of storage locations at one time.
14. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the article sensor further comprises a light source, a reflecting means attached to a rear portion of a storage location, and a photo-detector, the source, reflector, and photo-detector being arranged to reflect light energy from the source to the photo-detector along a path through a storage location.
15. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cabinet further comprises a bulk area for the storage of items too large to fit into the storage locations.
16. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the front panel has a plurality of openings therethrough.
17. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 16, wherein:
the front panel comprises a front face and a rear face; and the article sensor further comprises: a light source and a photo-detector attached to the rear face of the front panel; and a reflecting means attached to a storage location.
the front panel comprises a front face and a rear face; and the article sensor further comprises: a light source and a photo-detector attached to the rear face of the front panel; and a reflecting means attached to a storage location.
18. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 17, wherein:
a light source and a photo-detector is attached to the front panel adjacent each front panel opening; and a reflecting means is attached to each storage location.
a light source and a photo-detector is attached to the front panel adjacent each front panel opening; and a reflecting means is attached to each storage location.
19. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the carousel comprises a row of storage locations.
20. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the row of storage locations arc circumferentially offset about a vertical shaft.
21. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the carousel further comprises a plurality of vertically stacked rows of storage locations.
22. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 21, wherein each storage location comprises slot members attached to a base, defining pic-shaped slots.
23. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 22, wherein each opening in the front panel is shaped to permit access to a single slot on each stacked row at one time.
24. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 23, wherein each slot member is releasably attached to the base, forming adjustable slots.
25. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the conveyor comprises a row of storage locations.
26. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 25, wherein:
the conveyor further comprises a plurality of vertically stacked rows.
the conveyor further comprises a plurality of vertically stacked rows.
27. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 25, wherein:
the front panel opening shaped so as to permit access to only one row at a time.
the front panel opening shaped so as to permit access to only one row at a time.
28. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 25, wherein moveable slot members are releasably attached to each row, defining the storage locations.
29. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a safety sensor.
30. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 29, wherein the safety sensor comprises a light source, reflection means and photo-detector.
31. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the automated will call system comprises a plurality of cabinets in communication with the controller, wherein one cabinet is a master and the remaining cabinets are slaves.
32. An automated will call as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user work station includes:
a keyboard and monitor for input and output of data;
a magnetic strip reader for input of identification data; and a printer.
a keyboard and monitor for input and output of data;
a magnetic strip reader for input of identification data; and a printer.
33. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is free standing.
34. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is embedded within the cabinet
35. An automated will call system as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
a shaft is attached to a central axis of the carousel; and the drive means is attached to the shaft, wherein die controller signals the drive means to rotate the carousel.
a shaft is attached to a central axis of the carousel; and the drive means is attached to the shaft, wherein die controller signals the drive means to rotate the carousel.
36. A method of managing the storage and retrieval of items in an automated will call system, comprising the steps of:
a) receiving identification data associated with an item and storing the data in a memory;
b) receiving an item having unique identifying indicia thereon for storage in the system;
c) sensing the identifying indicia on the item prior to accepting the item for storage;
d) correlating the identification data with the identifying indicia and assigning a unique storage location within the system for receiving the item;
e) sensing insertion of the item into the unique storage location;
f) maintaining the unique storage location in memory;
g) detecting removal of the item from the unique storage location;
and h) clearing the unique storage location associated with the removed item from the memory when the item is removed.
a) receiving identification data associated with an item and storing the data in a memory;
b) receiving an item having unique identifying indicia thereon for storage in the system;
c) sensing the identifying indicia on the item prior to accepting the item for storage;
d) correlating the identification data with the identifying indicia and assigning a unique storage location within the system for receiving the item;
e) sensing insertion of the item into the unique storage location;
f) maintaining the unique storage location in memory;
g) detecting removal of the item from the unique storage location;
and h) clearing the unique storage location associated with the removed item from the memory when the item is removed.
37. The method of managing the storage and retrieval of items of claim 36 further comprising the steps:
transmitting instructions from a controller to a storage location in response to assigning a unique location; and activating a work flow coordinator, illuminating at least one light on the storage location.
transmitting instructions from a controller to a storage location in response to assigning a unique location; and activating a work flow coordinator, illuminating at least one light on the storage location.
38. The method of managing the storage and retrieval of items of claim 37, d1e step of sensing insertion of the item further comprising the steps:
generating a signal indicating insertion of the item into the storage location in response to sensing insertion;
sending die signal to the controller indicating insertion;
receiving the signal at the controller; and deactivating the work flow coordinator, terminating illumination of said at least one light.
generating a signal indicating insertion of the item into the storage location in response to sensing insertion;
sending die signal to the controller indicating insertion;
receiving the signal at the controller; and deactivating the work flow coordinator, terminating illumination of said at least one light.
39. The method of managing the storage and retrieval of items of claim 37, the step of detecting removal of the item comprising the steps:
generating a signal representative of the item being removed from the storage location;
sending the signal to the controller, indicating removal of the item;
receiving the signal at the controller confirming retrieval of the item; and deactivating the work flow coordinator.
generating a signal representative of the item being removed from the storage location;
sending the signal to the controller, indicating removal of the item;
receiving the signal at the controller confirming retrieval of the item; and deactivating the work flow coordinator.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2699256A CA2699256C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2699254A CA2699254C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16258099P | 1999-10-29 | 1999-10-29 | |
US60/162,580 | 1999-10-29 | ||
US09/521,763 US6464142B1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-03-09 | Automated will call system |
US09/521,763 | 2000-03-09 |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2699254A Division CA2699254C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2699256A Division CA2699256C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2324176A1 CA2324176A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
CA2324176C true CA2324176C (en) | 2011-01-11 |
Family
ID=26858883
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2699256A Expired - Fee Related CA2699256C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2699254A Expired - Fee Related CA2699254C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2821505A Abandoned CA2821505A1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2324176A Expired - Fee Related CA2324176C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
Family Applications Before (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2699256A Expired - Fee Related CA2699256C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2699254A Expired - Fee Related CA2699254C (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
CA2821505A Abandoned CA2821505A1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2000-10-23 | Automated will call system |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (7) | US6464142B1 (en) |
CA (4) | CA2699256C (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110200453A (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2019-09-06 | 李秋燕 | Retail terminal commodity intelligent display cabinet |
Families Citing this family (227)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040160319A1 (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 2004-08-19 | Joao Raymond Anthony | Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method |
US7253731B2 (en) | 2001-01-23 | 2007-08-07 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Apparatus and method for providing shipment information |
US10152876B2 (en) | 1996-03-27 | 2018-12-11 | Gtj Ventures, Llc | Control, monitoring, and/or security apparatus and method |
US10011247B2 (en) | 1996-03-27 | 2018-07-03 | Gtj Ventures, Llc | Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method |
US9075136B1 (en) | 1998-03-04 | 2015-07-07 | Gtj Ventures, Llc | Vehicle operator and/or occupant information apparatus and method |
US8150706B2 (en) | 1998-06-16 | 2012-04-03 | Telemanager Technologies, Inc. | Remote prescription refill system |
US7848934B2 (en) | 1998-06-16 | 2010-12-07 | Telemanager Technologies, Inc. | Remote prescription refill system |
US6464142B1 (en) | 1999-10-29 | 2002-10-15 | Si/Baker, Inc. | Automated will call system |
WO2001037138A2 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2001-05-25 | Walgreens Co. | Apparatus and method for accessing pharmacy information and ordering prescriptions |
US6892941B2 (en) | 2000-06-08 | 2005-05-17 | Mendota Healthcare, Inc. | Automatic prescription drug dispenser |
US6529801B1 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-03-04 | Mendota Healthcare, Inc. | Automatic prescription drug dispenser |
WO2002021402A1 (en) * | 2000-09-06 | 2002-03-14 | Advanced Pharmacy Technologies, L.L.C. | Automated prescription dispensing system and method of use |
US8479988B2 (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2013-07-09 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | System for pharmacy tracking and customer id verification |
US8224664B1 (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2012-07-17 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Portable prescription order distribution cart and tracking system |
US7887146B1 (en) * | 2001-08-18 | 2011-02-15 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Suspended storage system for pharmacy |
US7747477B1 (en) | 2000-11-16 | 2010-06-29 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Pharmacy supply tracking and storage system |
US20090230189A1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2009-09-17 | Shelton Louie | Scanning Wand For Pharmacy Tracking and Verification |
US7672859B1 (en) * | 2000-11-16 | 2010-03-02 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Prescription order position tracking system and method |
JP2002282339A (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2002-10-02 | Yuyama Manufacturing Co Ltd | Medicine deviding and wrapping system |
US8990678B2 (en) * | 2001-03-27 | 2015-03-24 | At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. | Systems and methods for automatically providing alerts of web site content updates |
US6847861B2 (en) | 2001-11-30 | 2005-01-25 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | Carousel product for use in integrated restocking and dispensing system |
US6942146B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2005-09-13 | Walgreen Company | System and method for bin management |
US8321236B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2012-11-27 | Walgreen Co. | Method and apparatus for prescription processing |
US10562492B2 (en) | 2002-05-01 | 2020-02-18 | Gtj Ventures, Llc | Control, monitoring and/or security apparatus and method |
US7155166B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2006-12-26 | Sap Aktiengesellschaft | Wireless pick-and-pack system |
MXPA05001361A (en) * | 2002-08-02 | 2005-10-05 | Hy Ko Products Co | Object identification system. |
WO2004015505A2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2004-02-19 | Mckesson Automation Systems, Inc. | Controller for dispensing products |
US7228198B2 (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2007-06-05 | Mckesson Automation Systems, Inc. | Prescription filling apparatus implementing a pick and place method |
US20040050855A1 (en) * | 2002-09-17 | 2004-03-18 | Gordon Jurgenson | Vending machine |
US7052097B2 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2006-05-30 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | High capacity drawer with mechanical indicator for a dispensing device |
CA2452207A1 (en) * | 2002-12-06 | 2004-06-06 | Robert B. Meek, Jr | Inventory management and replenishment system |
US20070170201A1 (en) * | 2003-01-30 | 2007-07-26 | Steffens Lowell G | Propane tank vending machine assembly |
US20040172289A1 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2004-09-02 | Dejan Kozic | Method and system for remotely verifying a prescription |
CA2429623A1 (en) * | 2003-05-26 | 2004-11-26 | Cstar Technologies Inc. | System and method for tracking inventory |
US20050023286A1 (en) | 2003-07-01 | 2005-02-03 | Asteres Inc. | Random access and random load dispensing unit |
US7123989B2 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2006-10-17 | Asteres, Inc. | System and method for providing a random access and random load dispensing unit |
US20050192705A1 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2005-09-01 | Asteres Inc. | Random access and random load dispensing unit |
US20060272976A1 (en) * | 2003-07-01 | 2006-12-07 | Asteres, Inc. | Container for use in a random access and random load dispensing unit |
AU2003251664A1 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2005-02-25 | Dometic Gmbh | Computerised-sensing system for a mini bar |
US7363104B2 (en) * | 2003-08-15 | 2008-04-22 | Sk Daifuku Corporation | Product storage and picking system and method of storing and picking products |
US20050049746A1 (en) * | 2003-08-26 | 2005-03-03 | Ken Rosenblum | Automatic prescription drug dispenser |
US20070023193A1 (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2007-02-01 | King Roy D | Inventory control system |
GB2406092B (en) * | 2003-09-17 | 2005-10-19 | Coplan Ltd | Inventory control system |
US7558380B2 (en) * | 2003-09-25 | 2009-07-07 | Ateb, Inc. | Methods, systems and computer program products for providing targeted messages for pharmacy interactive voice response (IVR) systems |
CA2752578C (en) * | 2003-11-26 | 2016-02-02 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Integrated suite of medical tools |
DE102004002831B4 (en) * | 2004-01-13 | 2010-06-17 | SSI Schäfer PEEM GmbH | Picking station and method for picking with a light grid |
US20050171813A1 (en) * | 2004-02-04 | 2005-08-04 | Jordan Mchael L. | System for identifying and sorting orders |
US7278569B2 (en) * | 2004-04-14 | 2007-10-09 | Marc Leon Cohen | Combination refrigerator |
US7228200B2 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2007-06-05 | Parata Systems, Llc | Apparatus, system and methods for dispensing products |
US8121725B2 (en) | 2004-04-22 | 2012-02-21 | Parata Systems, Llc | Apparatus, system and methods for dispensing products |
US7828147B2 (en) | 2004-04-24 | 2010-11-09 | Inrange Systems, Inc. | Multi-layer medication carrier |
JP2007535036A (en) | 2004-04-24 | 2007-11-29 | インレンジ システムズ、インク. | Integrated discontinuous remote drug management and compliance system |
US7801642B2 (en) | 2004-08-18 | 2010-09-21 | Walgreen Co. | System and method for checking the accuracy of a prescription fill |
US7988947B2 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2011-08-02 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Mesoporous oxide of titanium |
US7194333B2 (en) * | 2004-11-24 | 2007-03-20 | S & S X-Ray Products, Inc. | Pharmacy envelope dispensing arrangement |
US20060125356A1 (en) * | 2004-12-03 | 2006-06-15 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Mobile point of care system and associated method and computer program product |
CN100446025C (en) * | 2005-01-04 | 2008-12-24 | 天时电子股份有限公司 | RF recognition card reader with multi-dimensional antenna array |
US7568618B1 (en) * | 2005-03-01 | 2009-08-04 | Gfc Automat, Inc. | Automated food service and billing system and method |
US8731708B2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2014-05-20 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for multi-destination item selection using motes |
US8231749B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2012-07-31 | Automed Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for dispensing pre-filled containers with precisely-applied patient-specific information |
US7992770B2 (en) * | 2005-06-18 | 2011-08-09 | Charles Holley | Spec-trac |
US7689318B2 (en) * | 2005-08-19 | 2010-03-30 | Lonnie Draper | Inventory control and prescription dispensing system |
US7765108B2 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2010-07-27 | Walgreen Co. | Method and apparatus for inter-pharmacy workload balancing |
US8315887B2 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2012-11-20 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for specialty medication |
US8175891B2 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2012-05-08 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for compound medication |
US8666780B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2014-03-04 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing |
US7734478B2 (en) | 2005-10-18 | 2010-06-08 | Walgreen Co. | Method and apparatus for inter-pharmacy workload balancing using resource function assignments |
US20070088590A1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-04-19 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for out of stock medication |
US20070088569A1 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2007-04-19 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for prescription verification |
US8311891B2 (en) * | 2005-10-18 | 2012-11-13 | Walgreen Co. | System for separating and distributing pharmacy order processing for medication payments |
DE202006001503U1 (en) * | 2006-01-28 | 2006-03-23 | Gesa Form + Funktion Displaybau Gmbh | vending machine |
US8036773B2 (en) * | 2006-05-10 | 2011-10-11 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | System, method and corresponding apparatus for storing, retrieving and delivering unit dose blisters |
US7564349B2 (en) * | 2006-07-05 | 2009-07-21 | Bellheimer Metallwerk Gmbh | Position indicator apparatus and method |
WO2008019370A2 (en) * | 2006-08-07 | 2008-02-14 | Talyst Inc. | Apparatus for tracking and dispensing refrigerated medications |
CN100538720C (en) * | 2006-09-27 | 2009-09-09 | 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 | Bar code scanner and method |
CN101563518B (en) * | 2006-11-06 | 2012-04-04 | F·佩尔帝埃 | Device for accommodation, storage, protection, management and retrieval of goods |
JP4355743B2 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2009-11-04 | 株式会社神戸製鋼所 | Cu alloy wiring film, TFT element for flat panel display using the Cu alloy wiring film, and Cu alloy sputtering target for producing the Cu alloy wiring film |
US8251629B2 (en) * | 2007-02-09 | 2012-08-28 | Cerner Innovation, Inc. | Medication dispensing apparatus |
US20080203108A1 (en) * | 2007-02-27 | 2008-08-28 | Schnettler James P | Programmable Item Dispensing Device Used in Life Management |
US8738393B2 (en) | 2007-02-27 | 2014-05-27 | Telemanager Technologies, Inc. | System and method for targeted healthcare messaging |
FR2914088B1 (en) * | 2007-03-21 | 2009-05-22 | Thierry Chapon | PHARMACEUTICAL OR PARAPHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT ASSEMBLY |
US7783379B2 (en) | 2007-04-25 | 2010-08-24 | Asteres, Inc. | Automated vending of products containing controlled substances |
US8009913B2 (en) * | 2007-05-29 | 2011-08-30 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | System, method, apparatus and computer program product for capturing human-readable text displayed on a unit dose package |
US20080306761A1 (en) * | 2007-06-07 | 2008-12-11 | Walgreen Co. | System and Method of Performing Remote Verification of a Prescription in Combination with a Patient Access Terminal |
US8738383B2 (en) * | 2007-06-07 | 2014-05-27 | Aesynt Incorporated | Remotely and interactively controlling semi-automatic devices |
US20090012813A1 (en) | 2007-07-06 | 2009-01-08 | Mckesson Financial Holdings Limited | Systems and methods for managing medical information |
US8775198B2 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2014-07-08 | Walgreen Co. | System and method for performing a remote verification of a pharmacy fill utilizing an image to image comparison |
US8914148B2 (en) * | 2007-11-26 | 2014-12-16 | Micro Datastat, Ltd. | Pharmacy medication verification system |
US7844363B1 (en) * | 2007-12-04 | 2010-11-30 | PVM International, Inc. | Vending machine apparatus to dispense herbal medications and prescription medicines |
US20090169138A1 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2009-07-02 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Medication and medical supply storage package and method |
US8094028B2 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2012-01-10 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | Radio frequency alignment object, carriage and associated method of storing a product associated therewith |
US8006903B2 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2011-08-30 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | Proximity-based inventory management system using RFID tags to aid in dispensing and restocking inventory |
US20090194987A1 (en) * | 2008-01-31 | 2009-08-06 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Method, apparatus and medication storage device for efficiently generating medication labels |
US11264124B2 (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2022-03-01 | Chudy Group, LLC | System and apparatus for item management |
US8380346B2 (en) | 2008-02-20 | 2013-02-19 | Chundy Group, LLC | System and apparatus for item management |
US8442676B2 (en) * | 2008-03-24 | 2013-05-14 | Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. | Medication storage |
US9280863B2 (en) | 2008-07-16 | 2016-03-08 | Parata Systems, Llc | Automated dispensing system for pharmaceuticals and other medical items |
US8306651B2 (en) * | 2008-07-30 | 2012-11-06 | Chudy Group, LLC | Pharmacy will-call and prescription order article management system |
US20100039682A1 (en) * | 2008-08-18 | 2010-02-18 | Waterloo Industries, Inc. | Systems And Arrangements For Object Identification |
US9619777B2 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2017-04-11 | Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corp. | Modular hangers for product storage and retrieval system |
US8355962B2 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2013-01-15 | Pickpoint Corporation | Product storage and retrieval system |
US9043234B2 (en) | 2008-08-21 | 2015-05-26 | Maxor National Pharmacy Services Corp. | Modular hangers for product storage and retrieval system |
US8145501B1 (en) | 2008-10-09 | 2012-03-27 | Walgreen Co. | System and method for performing pharmacy product filling using non-registered pharmacists |
US7941325B2 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2011-05-10 | Walgreen Co. | System and method of using a non-retail central filling facility to process pharmacy product prescriptions in a pharmacy retail network |
US20100185458A1 (en) * | 2009-01-22 | 2010-07-22 | David Newcomb | Method for Retrieving Prescriptions with RFID Detection |
US7982612B2 (en) | 2009-02-20 | 2011-07-19 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for monitoring a volume of fluid in a flexible fluid bag |
NL1036629C2 (en) * | 2009-02-25 | 2009-09-25 | Marjolein Baukje Bax-Jansen | Integrated information system for use in pharmacy, has barcode scanner for linking location code of ready-made formula by using contact details and date of birth of patient's |
US9149405B2 (en) | 2009-03-03 | 2015-10-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | Medication storage and dispensing unit having a vial dispenser |
US8929641B2 (en) | 2009-03-17 | 2015-01-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | System and method for determining the orientation of a unit dose package |
US8811578B2 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2014-08-19 | Telemanager Technologies, Inc. | System and method for providing local interactive voice response services |
US8405875B2 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2013-03-26 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Visibly-coded medication label and associated method, apparatus and computer program product for providing same |
US20100249997A1 (en) | 2009-03-25 | 2010-09-30 | Greyshock Shawn T | System, method and corresponding apparatus for detecting perforations on a unit dose blister card |
US8400277B2 (en) | 2009-03-30 | 2013-03-19 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for monitoring a transfer of fluid between a syringe and a fluid reservoir |
PT104498A (en) * | 2009-04-09 | 2010-10-11 | Isens Electronica Lda | STORAGE SYSTEM WITH VISUAL INDICATOR ASSOCIATION AND PRESENCE SENSOR |
US20100258113A1 (en) * | 2009-04-10 | 2010-10-14 | Hyatt Lawrence A | Light wing device |
US20100263947A1 (en) * | 2009-04-20 | 2010-10-21 | Chris John Reichart | Method for generating electricity from solar panels for an electrical system inside a truck/semi/vehicle |
US20100301716A1 (en) * | 2009-06-01 | 2010-12-02 | Ranitlla Richard R | Storage cabinet peventing removal of objects |
US8341041B2 (en) * | 2009-07-09 | 2012-12-25 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | Method and apparatus for automated medical supply take/store tracking |
US20110049178A1 (en) * | 2009-08-25 | 2011-03-03 | Le-Chi Chia | Circular Pill Box |
US8644982B2 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2014-02-04 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Unit dose packaging and associated robotic dispensing system and method |
US8869667B2 (en) | 2009-12-04 | 2014-10-28 | Aesynt Incorporated | System, method and corresponding apparatus for singulating a unit dose blister card |
US20110161108A1 (en) * | 2009-12-30 | 2011-06-30 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Systems and methods for detecting diversion in drug dispensing |
US8443988B2 (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2013-05-21 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Alarm sounding retail display system |
US20110218889A1 (en) * | 2010-03-05 | 2011-09-08 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Retail Display System With Integrated Security and Inventory Management |
US8640586B2 (en) * | 2010-03-23 | 2014-02-04 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Method and apparatus for facilitating cutting of a unit dose blister card |
US8453548B2 (en) | 2010-03-23 | 2013-06-04 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Apparatuses for cutting a unit dose blister card |
US8593278B2 (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2013-11-26 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Medication storage device usage status notifications |
US8660687B2 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2014-02-25 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Medication bin having an electronic display and an associated method and computer program product |
US8527090B2 (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2013-09-03 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Method, computer program product and apparatus for facilitating storage and/or retrieval of unit dose medications |
US8474691B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2013-07-02 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | System, apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium for generating medication labels |
US20120158425A1 (en) * | 2010-12-17 | 2012-06-21 | Rhoads Jr Thomas P | Pharmacy Workflow Process |
US8694162B2 (en) | 2010-12-20 | 2014-04-08 | Mckesson Automation, Inc. | Methods, apparatuses and computer program products for utilizing near field communication to guide robots |
US11244747B2 (en) | 2014-10-16 | 2022-02-08 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Pharmacy security system |
US12046342B2 (en) | 2011-02-14 | 2024-07-23 | Gsl Solutions, Inc. | Pharmacy stock supply tracking system |
US8875865B2 (en) | 2011-03-09 | 2014-11-04 | Tension International, Inc. | Linear dispensing system with universal escapement |
US8662606B2 (en) | 2011-03-17 | 2014-03-04 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Drawer assembly and associated method for controllably limiting the slideable extension of a drawer |
US8469228B2 (en) * | 2011-03-24 | 2013-06-25 | Sleegers Engineered Products, Inc. | Self-serve kiosk with rotatable container carousel |
US8701931B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2014-04-22 | Aesynt Incorporated | Medication dispensing cabinet and associated drawer assembly having pockets with controllably openable lids |
US8588964B2 (en) | 2011-03-30 | 2013-11-19 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Storage devices, systems, and methods for dispensing medications |
US9412217B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2016-08-09 | Aesynt Incorporated | Medication dispensing apparatus having conveyed carriers |
US8554365B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-10-08 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Storage devices, systems, and methods for facilitating medication dispensing and restocking |
US20120271647A1 (en) * | 2011-04-20 | 2012-10-25 | Cvs Pharmacy, Inc. | Method for improved adherence to medication therapy |
DE102011109373A1 (en) * | 2011-08-04 | 2012-04-19 | K & U Printware Gmbh | Automatic vending machine e.g. beverage dispenser has collection container that receives returned goods according to goods identification result, and data processing unit connected to user interface based on identification result |
US10102706B2 (en) | 2011-08-23 | 2018-10-16 | Vendrx, Inc. | Beneficial product dispenser |
US8977390B2 (en) | 2011-08-23 | 2015-03-10 | Vendrx, Inc. | Systems and methods for dispensing beneficial products |
US9910965B2 (en) | 2011-09-16 | 2018-03-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | Systems, methods and computer program product for monitoring interactions with a medication storage device |
US9471750B2 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2016-10-18 | Aesynt Incorporated | Systems, methods and computer program product for streamlined medication dispensing |
US8700210B2 (en) | 2011-09-29 | 2014-04-15 | Aesynt Incorporated | Systems, methods and computer program products for visually emphasizing portions of a medication storage device |
US8650042B2 (en) | 2011-09-30 | 2014-02-11 | Mckesson Automation Inc. | Case and medication tracking |
US20140058755A1 (en) | 2011-11-23 | 2014-02-27 | Remedev, Inc. | Remotely-executed medical diagnosis and therapy including emergency automation |
JP5948437B2 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2016-07-06 | サンライズ アール アンド ディー ホールディングス,エルエルシー | Display shelf module having product information display projector and modular shelf system including the same |
US8983655B2 (en) | 2012-03-26 | 2015-03-17 | Aesynt Incorporated | Automated dispensing system and method |
US9443370B2 (en) * | 2012-03-26 | 2016-09-13 | Omnicare, Inc. | Method and apparatus for onsite distribution of medications and medical supplies |
US8755930B2 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2014-06-17 | Aesynt Incorporated | Method, apparatus, and computer program product for optimization of item location in an automated storage system |
US8807389B2 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2014-08-19 | Aesynt Incorporated | Item dispensing unit |
US10045909B2 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2018-08-14 | Aesynt Incorporated | Storage apparatus with support structures |
US9922384B2 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2018-03-20 | William Robert Cobb | Pharmaceutical will call system and method |
US9305218B2 (en) | 2012-06-14 | 2016-04-05 | Prezio Health | Methods and systems for identifying, marking, and inventorying large quantities of unique surgical instruments |
US8869364B2 (en) | 2012-06-25 | 2014-10-28 | Aesynt Incorporated | Material separating tool |
US9123195B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2015-09-01 | Aesynt Incorporated | Modular, multi-orientation conveyor |
US9171246B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2015-10-27 | Aesynt Incorporated | System, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for detecting that an object has been accessed |
US9122783B2 (en) * | 2012-07-23 | 2015-09-01 | Omnicare, Inc. | Automated label and verification systems and methods for filling customer orders of medical items |
US9733012B2 (en) * | 2012-08-23 | 2017-08-15 | Trumed Systems, Inc. | Smart storage of temperature sensitive pharmaceuticals |
CA2882273C (en) | 2012-08-24 | 2020-08-11 | Perceptimed, Inc. | Package locating system |
US9511945B2 (en) | 2012-10-12 | 2016-12-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility |
US9150119B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-10-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for anticipating and delivering medications from a central pharmacy to a patient using a track based transport system |
CA2835581C (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2021-02-09 | Distributrices Medicales B.H.L. Inc. | Method and system for article management |
US9129494B2 (en) | 2012-12-13 | 2015-09-08 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Alarming pusher system |
CN103158990B (en) * | 2012-12-19 | 2016-02-03 | 苏州艾隆科技股份有限公司 | Auto-compensation sends out medicine method and system |
US8751039B1 (en) | 2013-02-22 | 2014-06-10 | Remedev, Inc. | Remotely-executed medical therapy device |
US9814828B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-11-14 | Aesynt Incorporated | Method and apparatus for preparing and monitoring an intravenous fluid bag |
US9443371B2 (en) | 2013-03-27 | 2016-09-13 | Aesynt Incorporated | Medication dispensing cabinet, computing device and associated method for measuring the force applied to a drawer |
US9884695B2 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2018-02-06 | Aesynt Incorporated | Compartment configured for presentation of stored articles |
US9195803B2 (en) | 2013-03-28 | 2015-11-24 | Aesynt Incorporated | Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for providing controlled access to intravenous bags |
US9626817B2 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2017-04-18 | Aesynt Incorporated | Apparatuses, systems, and methods for storing and dispensing medication proximate a patient |
US20180372398A1 (en) * | 2013-04-23 | 2018-12-27 | Minibar North America, Inc. | Controlled inventory refrigerated dispensing system |
US10546441B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 | 2020-01-28 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Control, monitoring, and/or security, apparatus and method for premises, vehicles, and/or articles |
US9579245B2 (en) * | 2013-07-26 | 2017-02-28 | Helmer, Inc. | Medical products storage device including access control |
CA2932619C (en) | 2013-12-07 | 2023-03-21 | Trumed Systems, Inc. | Automated smart storage of temperature sensitive products |
US9365315B2 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2016-06-14 | Omnicell, Inc. | Versatile lighting system for dispensing cabinets |
US9320367B2 (en) | 2014-02-26 | 2016-04-26 | Southern Imperial, Inc. | Snap-in pusher |
US9492357B2 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2016-11-15 | DoseSmart, Inc. | Personal intelligent dispenser |
US9821738B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2017-11-21 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Battery power management apparatus and method |
US9135403B1 (en) * | 2014-07-29 | 2015-09-15 | John Tolmosoff | Apparatus and method for storing and dispensing pharmacist-filled prescription medications |
US10730687B2 (en) * | 2014-10-16 | 2020-08-04 | RxCap Inc. | Intelligent medicine dispenser |
US20180268358A1 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2018-09-20 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Order fulfillment system and method with item sensor |
US10216157B2 (en) * | 2015-01-09 | 2019-02-26 | Apex Industrial Technologies Llc | Order fulfillment system and method |
US9569941B1 (en) | 2015-02-20 | 2017-02-14 | Henschel-Steinau, Inc. | Announcing the selection of merchandise at a point-of-purchase |
US9818251B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2017-11-14 | Omnicell, Inc. | Unit dose dispensing systems and methods |
DE202015101860U1 (en) * | 2015-04-16 | 2015-06-03 | Niesmann+Bischoff Gmbh | cupboards |
EP3292528A1 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2018-03-14 | Sunrise R&D Holdings, LLC | Systems and methods for controlling shelf display units and for graphically presenting information on shelf display units |
CA2939591C (en) | 2015-08-25 | 2021-11-09 | Chudy Group, LLC | Plural-mode automatic medicament packaging system |
CN105329600A (en) * | 2015-11-20 | 2016-02-17 | 江苏人先医疗科技有限公司 | Intelligent counting medicine storage device as well as intelligent counting method and device |
JP6875065B2 (en) * | 2015-11-25 | 2021-05-19 | 株式会社タカゾノテクノロジー | Drug supply device |
EP3176763A1 (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2017-06-07 | Apfel GmbH | Device and method for storing and dispensing control |
WO2017154018A1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2017-09-14 | Janwadkar Pushkraj | Storage and retrieval system |
US10087002B2 (en) | 2016-04-06 | 2018-10-02 | Walmart Apollo, Llc | Systems and methods for delivering merchandise items using a conveyor apparatus |
JP6669405B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2020-03-18 | 株式会社椿本チエイン | Automatic blood storage device |
CN107380879B (en) * | 2017-06-19 | 2019-05-07 | 重庆创和机电设备有限公司 | A kind of intelligent display shelf and its working method with cargo identification function |
CA3068306A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | Perceptimed, Inc. | Inventory management |
US20190006037A1 (en) * | 2017-06-28 | 2019-01-03 | Perceptimed, Inc. | Inventory Assurance |
WO2019014027A1 (en) | 2017-07-14 | 2019-01-17 | Zume Pizza, Inc. | Vending-kiosk based systems and methods to vend and/or prepare items, for instance prepared foods |
US10517799B2 (en) * | 2017-08-31 | 2019-12-31 | Omnicell, Inc. | Unit dose dispensing mechanisms |
CN109523701A (en) * | 2017-09-18 | 2019-03-26 | 鸿富锦精密工业(武汉)有限公司 | Automatic vending machine |
US10358247B2 (en) | 2017-10-27 | 2019-07-23 | Chudy Group, LLC | Compartmentalized container loading and management system |
AU2018397746B2 (en) * | 2017-12-27 | 2024-08-22 | RAZZOLI, Donna Sara | Smart locker system and methods for use thereof |
US10334760B1 (en) * | 2018-01-12 | 2019-06-25 | Jed A. Darland | System and method for helical cooling tower for efficient cooling |
EP3626652A1 (en) * | 2018-09-20 | 2020-03-25 | F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG | Consumable management system for laboratories |
US11798668B1 (en) * | 2018-10-02 | 2023-10-24 | Cvs Pharmacy, Inc. | Systems and methods for a numeric waiting bin for prescription fulfillment |
WO2020206300A1 (en) | 2019-04-05 | 2020-10-08 | Fasteners For Retail, Inc. | Anti-theft pusher with incremental distance detection |
US10918576B2 (en) | 2019-04-10 | 2021-02-16 | Medication Adherence Technologies, LLC | System and method for tracking and regulating removal of patient medications |
CN114401651A (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2022-04-26 | 爱惜康股份有限公司 | Inventory system |
CN114127813A (en) * | 2019-07-19 | 2022-03-01 | 株式会社新创新 | Beverage supply device |
CL2019002622A1 (en) * | 2019-09-13 | 2019-12-13 | Qclass S A | System, apparatus and method for self-care in the delivery of products. |
CN113044450B (en) * | 2019-12-26 | 2023-01-31 | 北京极智嘉科技股份有限公司 | Task processing method and device for conveying equipment |
US20210313031A1 (en) * | 2020-04-03 | 2021-10-07 | Innovation Associates, Inc. | System, methods, and apparatus for remote verification of pharmacy prescription preparation |
CA3212302A1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2021-11-04 | Carter Hoffmann, Llc | Door movement system for cabinet |
US11605260B2 (en) | 2020-08-18 | 2023-03-14 | T3 Micro, Inc. | Autonomous food station |
US11776351B2 (en) | 2020-08-18 | 2023-10-03 | Kent Yu | Autonomous food station |
US11462072B2 (en) | 2020-08-18 | 2022-10-04 | Dov Z. Glucksman | Autonomous food station |
CN112021830A (en) * | 2020-09-17 | 2020-12-04 | 南通大学附属医院 | Intelligence vein fluid infusion bag storing compartment |
US20220204265A1 (en) * | 2020-12-31 | 2022-06-30 | Invenda Group Ag | Devices for touchless operation of a product outlet door of a vending machine |
US11760227B2 (en) | 2021-02-15 | 2023-09-19 | Raymond Anthony Joao | Battery power management apparatus and method |
CN113545628B (en) * | 2021-07-07 | 2022-10-14 | 六安索伊电器制造有限公司 | Self-service coffee vending machine with food tracing function |
US11980286B2 (en) * | 2021-10-12 | 2024-05-14 | Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University | Shoe organizer unit |
CN113821696B (en) * | 2021-11-23 | 2022-02-15 | 广东磊蒙智能装备集团有限公司 | Mining machinery thing networking systems |
WO2024019170A1 (en) * | 2022-07-22 | 2024-01-25 | ナノシオン株式会社 | Shelf robot |
Family Cites Families (63)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3491870A (en) * | 1967-08-31 | 1970-01-27 | Siegfried G Isserstedt | Vending machine with simultaneous dispensing means |
US4546901A (en) * | 1984-02-02 | 1985-10-15 | Buttarazzi Patrick J | Apparatus for dispensing medication |
US4682299A (en) * | 1985-02-19 | 1987-07-21 | Kenneth B. McIntosh | Medication clock |
US4633236A (en) * | 1985-06-21 | 1986-12-30 | Buhl Automatic, V/Holger Buhl | Mailbox |
US4814592A (en) | 1986-05-29 | 1989-03-21 | Videomat Associates | Apparatus and method for storing and retrieving articles |
BE904969A (en) * | 1986-06-20 | 1986-10-16 | Staar Dev Cy | SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE PRESENCE OF ARTICLES IN SALE DEVICES WITH FREE MANUAL ACCESS. |
US4847764C1 (en) * | 1987-05-21 | 2001-09-11 | Meditrol Inc | System for dispensing drugs in health care instituions |
US4864438A (en) | 1988-01-27 | 1989-09-05 | Munro Frederick G | Tape cartridge movement management in an automated tape cartridge library system |
FR2644916B1 (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1993-01-22 | Mors | STORAGE SYSTEM WITH ADJACENT LOCKERS CONTROLLED BY A MICROPROCESSOR DEVICE |
US5038023A (en) * | 1989-06-28 | 1991-08-06 | C. Itoh Information Systems Development, Inc. | System for storing and monitoring bar coded articles such as keys in a drawer |
US5343406A (en) * | 1989-07-28 | 1994-08-30 | Xilinx, Inc. | Distributed memory architecture for a configurable logic array and method for using distributed memory |
US5105978A (en) * | 1990-01-16 | 1992-04-21 | Hobart Corporation | Apparatus for storing and dispensing frozen comestibles |
US5468110A (en) * | 1990-01-24 | 1995-11-21 | Automated Healthcare, Inc. | Automated system for selecting packages from a storage area |
US5212649A (en) | 1990-03-28 | 1993-05-18 | Florent Pelletier | Electronic robot key distributor |
US5159560A (en) * | 1990-06-25 | 1992-10-27 | Newell William C | Automated merchandise dispensing and retrieval system |
JPH085513B2 (en) * | 1990-10-31 | 1996-01-24 | クリナップ株式会社 | Joint locker box rotation device |
US5208762A (en) * | 1990-12-06 | 1993-05-04 | Baxter International Inc. | Automated prescription vial filling system |
US5343403A (en) | 1991-08-14 | 1994-08-30 | Beidle David A | Method for host-independent cartridge entry in an automated library system |
US5303214A (en) * | 1992-01-03 | 1994-04-12 | International Business Machines Corporation | Multi-media-type automatic libraries |
DE4202801C2 (en) * | 1992-01-31 | 1995-09-14 | Accumulata Verwaltungs Gmbh | Sales facility |
US5303844A (en) * | 1992-04-28 | 1994-04-19 | Keyosk Corporation | Automated apparatus, system and method for reliably vending articles of increased value |
US5313393A (en) * | 1992-06-10 | 1994-05-17 | Clem Varley | Inventory control system for automatic dispensing |
US5337920A (en) | 1993-04-21 | 1994-08-16 | Clausen Mark K | Rotatable platter storage and retrieval system |
US6272394B1 (en) * | 1993-07-21 | 2001-08-07 | Omnicell.Com | Methods and apparatus for dispensing items |
US5831859A (en) * | 1993-08-20 | 1998-11-03 | Base Ten Systems, Inc. | Pharmaceutical recordkeeping system with labelling for manufacturing raw materials |
US5728999A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1998-03-17 | Advanced Retail Systems Ltd. | Vending machine, a vending system and methods for operating same |
US5905653A (en) * | 1994-07-14 | 1999-05-18 | Omnicell Technologies, Inc. | Methods and devices for dispensing pharmaceutical and medical supply items |
US5697519A (en) * | 1995-10-03 | 1997-12-16 | Fawn Engineering Corporation | Split door for vending machine |
GB9521015D0 (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1995-12-13 | Minibar Production Ltd | Open shelf bar |
US5597995A (en) | 1995-11-08 | 1997-01-28 | Automated Prescription Systems, Inc. | Automated medical prescription fulfillment system having work stations for imaging, filling, and checking the dispensed drug product |
GB2324080B (en) * | 1995-12-29 | 2000-03-01 | Janice Fant Gilmore | Automatic medicament dispenser system |
JP3551599B2 (en) * | 1996-01-25 | 2004-08-11 | 村田機械株式会社 | Automatic warehouse and inventory method in automatic warehouse |
US5774053A (en) * | 1996-05-02 | 1998-06-30 | Porter; David | Storage device for the delivery and pickup of goods |
JP3752021B2 (en) * | 1996-07-11 | 2006-03-08 | 株式会社イツモ | Locker device for goods distribution |
US5963453A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1999-10-05 | Medication Management, Inc. | System and method for processing prescription medications |
US6021392A (en) * | 1996-12-09 | 2000-02-01 | Pyxis Corporation | System and method for drug management |
US6032155A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 2000-02-29 | De La Huerga; Carlos | System and apparatus for administering prescribed medication to a patient |
US5713785A (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1998-02-03 | Linax Co., Ltd. | Vacuum type portable sander |
JPH10234824A (en) * | 1997-02-26 | 1998-09-08 | Yuyama Seisakusho:Kk | Medicine delivering apparatus and quantity input device |
US5970462A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 1999-10-19 | Reichert; Richard R. | On-line pharmacy automated refill system |
US6036812A (en) * | 1997-12-05 | 2000-03-14 | Automated Prescription Systems, Inc. | Pill dispensing system |
US6457038B1 (en) * | 1998-03-19 | 2002-09-24 | Isochron Data Corporation | Wide area network operation's center that sends and receives data from vending machines |
US6219587B1 (en) * | 1998-05-27 | 2001-04-17 | Nextrx Corporation | Automated pharmaceutical management and dispensing system |
US6493427B1 (en) * | 1998-06-16 | 2002-12-10 | Telemanager Technologies, Inc. | Remote prescription refill system |
US6151536A (en) * | 1998-09-28 | 2000-11-21 | Omnicell.Com | Dispensing system and methods |
US6170230B1 (en) * | 1998-12-04 | 2001-01-09 | Automed Technologies, Inc. | Medication collecting system |
US6654724B1 (en) * | 1999-02-12 | 2003-11-25 | Adheris, Inc. | System for processing pharmaceutical data while maintaining patient confidentially |
US6189727B1 (en) * | 1999-03-24 | 2001-02-20 | S&S X-Ray Products, Inc. | Pharmaceutical dispensing arrangement |
US20050182656A1 (en) * | 1999-05-28 | 2005-08-18 | Morey Fred R. | On-line prescription service system and method |
US6202923B1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-03-20 | Innovation Associates, Inc. | Automated pharmacy |
US6300873B1 (en) * | 1999-09-16 | 2001-10-09 | Atlantes Services, Inc. | Locking mechanism for use with one-time access code |
US6564121B1 (en) * | 1999-09-22 | 2003-05-13 | Telepharmacy Solutions, Inc. | Systems and methods for drug dispensing |
US7006893B2 (en) * | 1999-09-22 | 2006-02-28 | Telepharmacy Solutions, Inc. | Systems for dispensing medical products |
US6654729B1 (en) * | 1999-09-27 | 2003-11-25 | Science Applications International Corporation | Neuroelectric computational devices and networks |
US7117170B1 (en) * | 1999-10-06 | 2006-10-03 | Stamps.Com Inc. | Apparatus, systems and methods for applying billing options for multiple carriers for online, multi-carrier, multi-service parcel shipping management |
WO2001030213A2 (en) * | 1999-10-28 | 2001-05-03 | Brivo Systems, Inc. | Unattended package delivery cross-docking apparatus and method |
US6464142B1 (en) * | 1999-10-29 | 2002-10-15 | Si/Baker, Inc. | Automated will call system |
NO309073B1 (en) * | 1999-12-30 | 2000-12-11 | Euro Tech As | Device for detecting and signaling or indicating contents in a container and in particular a mailbox |
JP2001241225A (en) * | 2000-02-28 | 2001-09-04 | Full Time System:Kk | Specific unlocking system for locker |
US6529801B1 (en) * | 2000-06-08 | 2003-03-04 | Mendota Healthcare, Inc. | Automatic prescription drug dispenser |
JP3810265B2 (en) * | 2000-09-19 | 2006-08-16 | インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレーション | Computer system |
US6715669B2 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2004-04-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Fulltime System | Delivery box capable of handling registered mails |
US6942146B2 (en) * | 2002-02-01 | 2005-09-13 | Walgreen Company | System and method for bin management |
-
2000
- 2000-03-09 US US09/521,763 patent/US6464142B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2000-10-23 CA CA2699256A patent/CA2699256C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-10-23 CA CA2699254A patent/CA2699254C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-10-23 CA CA2821505A patent/CA2821505A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-10-23 CA CA2324176A patent/CA2324176C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2002
- 2002-09-10 US US10/241,171 patent/US6874684B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2004
- 2004-11-19 US US10/992,925 patent/US7093755B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-08-11 US US11/503,013 patent/US7410098B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2007
- 2007-01-26 US US11/698,726 patent/US7537155B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2009
- 2009-04-21 US US12/427,213 patent/US8924227B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-02-28 US US13/036,755 patent/US8380535B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN110200453A (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2019-09-06 | 李秋燕 | Retail terminal commodity intelligent display cabinet |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2821505A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US20050098626A1 (en) | 2005-05-12 |
US7410098B2 (en) | 2008-08-12 |
US20060273168A1 (en) | 2006-12-07 |
US6874684B1 (en) | 2005-04-05 |
CA2699254A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US20110153064A1 (en) | 2011-06-23 |
US7537155B2 (en) | 2009-05-26 |
CA2699256C (en) | 2013-09-24 |
US7093755B2 (en) | 2006-08-22 |
US6464142B1 (en) | 2002-10-15 |
CA2699254C (en) | 2013-12-17 |
US8380535B2 (en) | 2013-02-19 |
US20100059585A1 (en) | 2010-03-11 |
US8924227B2 (en) | 2014-12-30 |
CA2324176A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
US20070119930A1 (en) | 2007-05-31 |
CA2699256A1 (en) | 2001-04-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2324176C (en) | Automated will call system | |
US5880443A (en) | Automated system for selecting packages from a cylindrical storage area | |
US6393339B1 (en) | Computerized stock control system | |
US9129245B2 (en) | Adaptive pharmaceutical product management methods and system | |
US20180151256A1 (en) | Pharmacy Dispensing System and Method | |
US7685026B1 (en) | Method of tracking and dispensing medical items | |
JP4684159B2 (en) | Drug picking method and apparatus | |
US20040133705A1 (en) | Controller for dispensing products | |
EP2589011A1 (en) | On site prescription management system and methods for health care facilities | |
US7860604B2 (en) | Method for controlling access to and segregating dispensed items | |
AU2020256363A1 (en) | On site prescription management system and methods for health care facilities | |
AU7515098A (en) | Computerised stock control system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request | ||
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20171023 |
|
MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20171023 |